Why is it that in 2010 the male dominated society in Kochi is still so…….male dominated?  Women here have become complacent and the men have taken advantage of their complacency.  Or maybe women haven’t become complacent maybe they feel like nothing will ever change, so why make a stink about it.

Soon after I arrived in Kochi I felt like I had hit a brick wall.  I felt like my life had been taken away from me.  Being a woman in Kochi is not like being a woman anywhere else.  I soon realized that certain things are expected from women here and if they aren’t fulfilled then you have society looking down on you.

I quickly learned what it felt like to be a woman in Kochi once I felt a man’s hand brush up against my butt or chest.  Well to be honest it was about the third or fourth time this happened that I realized what I was up against.  The first one or two times I thought maybe it was an accident, but then it started happening all of the time.  For some reason these men felt like they had the right to touch me inappropriately.   Why did they think that this was ok?  It’s almost as if they feel they are above me, so therefore they can touch me.  This has happened to me so many times that I have lost count.  Every time this happened there was always plenty of room around and no need to get so close.  I told my husband about this and he was angry because I didn’t say anything to the men.  He would give me a pep talk about how independent and strong of a woman I am.  He would tell me to shout at them and make a scene.  And each time we had a conversation like this I was ready for the next time it would happen.  I was ready to shout.  I was ready to make a scene.  I would play it over and over in my head to mentally prepare myself. And then it would happen.  I would get touched inappropriately,  again, and, I would do nothing.  WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!!!  Why am I behaving like this?  Perhaps it may be because I feel like nothing will happen.  I feel like here it’s not considered an issue.  I feel like hundreds maybe thousands of women get touched everyday and nothing happens.   It’s an everyday occurrence here.  It’s how people live.  If I did make a scene would the police get called? Probably not.  Would the man get arrested? Probably not. Would he touch another woman the next day? Probably.  I really don’t know what would happen I’ve never made a scene to find out.  Why do we, as women here in Kochi, put up with this?  Why are we allowing men to feel as if they are above us?

It is not our fault that we are complacent here in Kochi. Society has made us that way.  For instance some women do speak out.  Their story often ends up on the news.  And not in a positive light.  There is always someone in the story saying that it was the girl’s fault that she got touched.  It was the girl’s fault that she got raped.  It was the girl’s fault that something happened to her, when all she was doing was walking down the street.  And sometimes the girl’s family is embarrassed and mortified if she speaks out.  When a woman’s family doesn’t even back her up, how can you expect her to stand up for herself?

Whenever I voice my frustration with the disgusting acts that take place thousands of times each day people often tell me that maybe it is best that I go back to America.   I then reply telling the person how sad it is that that is their solution to the problem, that I should leave.  Why is someone even thinking by me leaving the problem would be solved?!  This is my present home and these things are not just happening to me.  These acts are happening to a lot of local women.  Sometimes people will tell me that yes, it is a sad state, but we can’t change the whole of India. It is exactly that kind of thinking that will get Kochi nowhere.

Kerala has the highest population of educated citizens in India.  Education is freedom, yet so many women are still prisoners in their own free land.  Why are brilliant educated people not doing anything to solve this issue?  Why don’t politicians even talk about these problems?

There are a lot of great men in Kochi who know about these acts and think they are disgusting.  All men are not molesters.  All men do not feel like they are above women.  Lots of men here in Kochi have the upmost respect for women in all aspects of their lives.  The sad thing is that all of these other men that feel free to touch women whenever they walk by are making the rest of the men look bad.  So it is not just women  who are affected by this behavior.  It is also men.  The good men, who respect women.  These good men are getting a bad reputation because of this.  People will start to think that all men in Kochi or all Indian men behave like this and it just isn’t so.

Men, your name is getting smeared.  Women, you are getting disrespected.  In Kochi it is time for men and women alike to band together to put a stop to this.  We can’t let this go on any longer.

Men, remember that it is also your mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters that this is happening to.  Other men are making you look bad. Be supportive.  Continue to show respect. And if you see this happening please confront the person who decided to behave like this.

Women, it is time for us to stop being complacent.  It is time for us to show that we demand respect.  It is time for us to stop worrying about what society or our families will think. We need to stop taking the back seat in life.  My dignity is being stomped on and I won’t let it happen anymore.  We need to stop and confront the man who decided to touch us. We need to report EVERY incident to the police until they realize this is a serious issue.  We need society to know that as women we will not stand for such disrespect!

From groans to throes of anticipation, the day adjudged as St Valentine’s Day or cut shortly Valentine’s Day has a varied sense of reactions from people all across the globe. No longer seen as a ‘west’ only festival, youngsters and adults alike celebrate this special day, highly infected by commercialism. People view the 14th of February in many a sense, in a religious view, in an ethical standpoint and so on. But for the general crowd its a day to show their love to their special one, be it you spouse, loved one, parents and friends love has no bounds, although it has a romantic tag attached to it.

If there were days that ensues so much of attention from the world, this is one of them. The Red color associated with romance and love can be seen adorned in everyplace across cities. From a medieval festival to worldwide phenomenon, Valentine’s day has certainly come a very long way.

It sure would look unfair that love should be given special attention only one day when it should be genuinely shown throughout the year, but then again why celebrate birthdays when you already know that you were born every day of the year. Its the got this certain flair attached to it. Sure you should love your loved one every single day of the year, but shouldn’t there be a day to completely splurge? Valentine’s day can be seen as that day rather than viewing it from a negative perspective, although it certainly has attracted wrong intentions, the essence still remains the same. Used right it ends up a joyous day otherwise not so. Its up to each person to bring out their creativity, love and affections for making the day worthwhile.

For those who wish to have a little help in their love life, here are some tips on how to make it a memorable day, go ahead try something on your won too, most certainly for such things the though does count too.

Gifts
How do you express your love? How do you make your loved one feel special, pamper them to glory, get them a special gift, be it for a man or a woman, everyone loves a gift. Here are some ideas for gifts you can get him/her.
Cards
Valentine’s day is a highly anticipated day for card makers after Christmas and New Year. The day is not complete without a card. And of course these will be adorned with hearts and what not, but go for the one that may suit your loved one the most. Don’t just blankly buy the first pink/red heart card with hearts sprawled across it. Go a step ahead and make on on your own, there is nothing more special than that handmade touch. There are several how-to-do’s on card making if you are not the craftsman exactly.
Collage
Create a photo collage of all the special times spent with your loved one. Have notes written beside each picture to describing the fun you had that day, years later when you look at him, it sure will stir memories and emotions. You can also create a scrapbook filled with notes and poems and songs you both like. Fill it with pictures and you get a worthwhile gift, precious as any other gift.
Soft toys
What is with everyone and these soft,cuddly and warm toys……well it sure makes a point. From tiny key chain sized toys to the giant teddyzilla sized ‘monsters’, the degree of shape and size vary. But it sure can leave its mark on your loved one’s heart.
Perfumes/Cologne
Get him/her their favorite Cologne/perfume, the really expensive one that they use sparingly. There is something about smells that provokes associated memories, if you happen to be walking to walking in a crowded shop and you happen to catch the scent of what your loved one wears, that can be enough to catch you off guard.
Gift Voucher-the real kind
Get him/her a gift voucher with lots of moolah(that’s money to the layman) to spend on himself/herself. This is one gift they will not want to exchange since they can get anything their heart desires, within the limit!
Gift Voucher-the fake kind
Of course you can go for the cute, original and unique vouchers. Cut papers into coupons and have simple yet thoughtful promises written down on it, like say “this coupon entitles you to a breakfast in bed and smothering by me” or “this coupon entitles you to be taken shopping anywhere with no grumblings from me what so ever”. The list can go on and on and the best thing is that you will end up feeling good about it more than if you did spending money on your loved one.
Jewelery
Of course how can we not forget the baubles and such that make up a lot of the average gifts you can expect to give or receive. But the right ones can be a testament to time and last ages and invoke memories. Going for the unique and special one is always worth the effort. Be it diamond rings, heart shaped pendants, crystal pieces ( Swarovski has some of the classiest collections) they all can make your loved one’s heart skip a beat. Of course it doesn’t just apply to men, women can also get men masculine jewelery.
Chocolates/munchies
As much as I hate to admit it, heart shaped chocolates has found a centerpiece position as a standard Valentine’s day gift. If you creativity or you wallets have limits, get some chocolates but get the message clear to your loved one on how much you love him/her. But all is not dead for confectioneries, bake/make/cook something on your own. Even if it ends up in disaster, present it and there is no way the person you love will reject it. After all this will be the highest test to the quote “Its the thought that counts”.

Of course the list can go on and on, the amazing thing about the human mind is that there is no bounds to our thinking. Go ahead and do the outrageously romantic or the perennially sane, but make sure you do it, rather than incur that wrath of your loved one.

That said about gifts, you can also have spend an amazing day with your loved one or do something special. Here are some idea’s on what you two can do together.

Things you can do together

Candlelight Dinner
Must I elaborate? We all seen the movies and read stories, try to grasp what that is portrayed and recreate the practical part. It can be at a fancy restaurant or cook it yourself and have it atop your terrace or dining room.

Going out
Take the day off and spend it like you have nothing to do for the next 100 years, forget office deadlines, work shifts, etc. Enjoy the day in a carefree manner. Go out, take a long romantic drive, go to the beach, eat out, go for a movie, hangout with friends, be together, anything works. Sometimes the simplest things can give the greatest joy.

Out in the open
Plan something really romantic or outrageous. Let the world see how much you love that person, although be sure to not step on anyone’s toes. Our society is still has yet to loosen up.

Slouch at home
Sit at home and have a marathon of a romantic movies, order take out and take comfort in spending the day in each others company.

Still helpless on deciding what to do? Don’t fret Kochi’s party scene is here to help out, here is a list of the hot and happening parties where you can smash a groove with your loved one.

Valentines Day Party At Ava
Firstly we got a hot party out at Ava Lounge where our own DJ Arvee is playing along with a host of other DJs. Ava is one hot place for the best parties. Party on from 12 pm onwards.
check here fore more info.

Black Valentine at Sand dunes
Sand dunes the Persian cafe is hosting a party. Black is the dress code hence the title. A somber change from the usual red.
check here fore more info.

V-Day Blowout Party At Hotel Park Central
A party by Green Harbour at Hotel Park Central.
check here fore more info.

Valentine’s Bash Noon party at Glow
Glow, Harbour View’s party floor is hosting a set of pre-valentine’s day party on the 13th and a noon party on the 14th.

It is always upto how each person prefers to spend the day that finally depends on what you do on this day.

Singles
Well there is one set of people left out for this day, Singles. It is kind of a day that is dreaded by them, the reason more over because of the recent year’s hype before the season. Its brings out the fact of your isolation from the whole festivities and you are literally reminded of the fact that you are single and with no one to spend the day with. Most singles who go through this sort of tend to hate Valentine’s day.
The whole concept of the day being a day for love brings out the fact that they are single and to an extend some single women and men call it ‘Single Awareness Day’, because it strongly reminds them of the company they are deprived of. And not helping them at all is that the initials spell out ‘S-A-D‘.
But enough moaning about your conditions, there is always a silver lining. It is upto us to find that lining or assume so. True it will be a huge depression motif seeing the decorations for Valentine’s day put up everywhere you go and seeings couples hanging out but buck up, there sure are ways you can also have fun on the 14th!

Me-day
One of the pros of being single is more money to spend on yourself! Buy yourself the best in town, chocolates, dresses, watches, the works. Pamper yourself silly and don’t feel guilty about it. It is your right to feel happy on this biased day.

Friend’s day out
What will really help is also being with friends on that day when you least want to be alone. Party, hang out, go for a long drive, explore, have fun! Do it in a coed ‘all-single’ crowd, allow couples if they really want to join you. It will help you to really have a blast of the day.

Help out
Doing social work and helping out your fellow man will help in self satisfaction. Bring happiness to others and you can tend to forget your woes.

Buy a Pet
Having a pet is another thing, it totally takes up your time. You have someone to express your feelings upon.

Movie Marathon
Call friends over with refreshments and a whole load of snacks and have a movie marathon. Watch comedy, action, horror or any sort of movie non stop. It will definitely be fun watching movies and spending the day with your closest set of friends. There is nothing more than friends to take your mind off your woes.

So. everyone out there intending to spend Valentine’s day, be it couple or singles, have a wonderful day.
Happy Valentine’s Day!

On the eve of India celebrating its 60th Republic Day, Fashion federation Kerala invites you to grace an evening where young designers will showcase their creation in pure khadi and Kerala handloom. Also showcasing the exquisite jewellery collection from A. Geeri Pai.

An evening to remember our martyrs and pay respect to the talent of our next generation. The show will feature designs from Megha Grover, Ashish Jolly and Elsa Mary Thomas.

Venue: OG’s Tharavadu, Panangad

Date: 25th january 2010

Timing: 7:30 P.M onwards

Dress Code: Khadi, Handloom.

Entry By Invites Only

Once again glory and glamour catwalks into 2010 with a fashion Escapade from Josco Fashion Mantra on 23rd Jan 2010 from 7:30Pm onwards! Get floored and fashion stung as the hottest models from Bangalore take over the runway. In the urban designer collections from the famous Rajesh Shetty, At “The” chill out zone of the city which is none other than Loungevity, Avenue Regent

Organised by the crown of all event companies, Kamikazee Events with the groove factor from DJ Ram all throughout the night. Get ready to check in and set your eyes to check out the Mantra of Fashion! Mark your attendance on the official Facebook Event Page

Recently Cochin witnessed another glitzy fashion show at Gold Souk. Here are some photographs of the event. Have fun!

[View with PicLens]

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The one thing that Kochi was proud was for the Kochi – Colombo cruise. But here is some bad news. Louis cruises has decided to stop all operations from Kochi just 6 weeks after launch because of the very high operating costs. According to the company while Colombo charged $5000  as port charges for 5 hours Kochi charged $25000. Apart from the exorbitant operational charges, Kochi port lacked basic features such as passport readers. These lack of minimum ammenities led to passengers waiting in queues for upto 3 hours to get a clearance. Louis Cruise has promised to come back to Kochi after October if things improve.

According to the Union Minister for Agriculture K.V. Thomas,  modern harbours, landing centres and markets would be set up across the country within a stipulated time. Addressing a press conference at the Central Institute of Fisheries and Nautical Engineering Training (CIFNET) on Monday, Mr. Thomas said that the Union government would provide necessary funds for these projects. He was briefing the media about a review meeting held earlier about the fisheries activities being undertaken in the Southern States.

The country needed these modern facilities for two reasons.

1. Modernising and more importantly because the European Union and other countries taking our fisheries products have put some stringent conditions to be met.
2. To study the working of these facilities abroad teams at the State government level would be sent at different stages.

Union Fisheries Joint Secretary Tarun Sridhar, who was also present, said that in the first phase harbours which were significant from the point of view of exports had been identified for upgradation and modernisation. One harbour each in Kochi, Orissa, Gujarat and Maharashtra would be upgraded to match the global standards initially.

Mr. Thomas said that all such proposed modern projects would have to get the approval of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), which would impart the technical expertise. In the case of developing modern harbours the Union government would provide hundred per cent finance, instead of the prevailing cost sharing ratio of 75:25 between the Union government and the State government concerned. The meeting discussed the doubts raised about the proposed Marine Fisheries (Regulation and Management) Act.

A former sweeper from our own city of Kochi will be in Mumbai to run the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon on January 17. The 53 year old Rajam Gopi will attempt the full marathon of a distance of 42 km. Rajam used to work earlier as sweeper at a travel agency in Kochi called AIMS International for eight years, but now works as a fitness instructor at a Talwalkar’s gym branch in Kochi. She also works as a laboratory cleaner (cleaning and sterilising apparatus) at the Mariam Medical Centre in Kochi.

Rajam Gopi

After completing her work at the lab every night, she stays there as she has to be at the Maharaja College ground at 6.30 am, everyday,  to train.The grinding poverty and adversity has made Rajam all the more determined to succeed. The athlete who has represented India in a number of meets in the veteran’s category, including the Airtel Delhi half marathon (21 km) where she finished second clocking in 02:01:06 in the women’s senior veteran’s category (Bib no: 2131) and won Rs 24,500 for her effort says  ”When I run, all my troubles fall away”.  Talk about determination .. !

At 53, Rajam is a champion distance runner on the Masters (veterans) circuit. The events she usually competes in are the 10,000 m run, 5,000 m run, 10,000 m walk, 400 m hurdles and 3,000 m steeplechase. In 2007, she was selected to take part in the World Masters Athletics championships at Riccone, Italy, but could not go because of visa problems. The Kerala Veterans’ Sports Association chose Rajam as  the Best Athlete of Kerala  2008. In 2008, she won four gold medals at the 15th Asia Masters Athletics championship held at Chiang Mai, Thailand from December 1 to 5, 2008 .

Sponsored trip : Standard Chartered will be sponsoring her trip to Mumbai , Her round  trip and stay at a Bandra hotel and registration fee (Rs 500) is paid by Standard Chartered.  She will be in the city of Mumbai by January 14.
Till her last breath: The Mumbai full  marathon is missing from Rajam’s trophy case, a  lacuna she hopes to fill this year. She aims to win the veteran’s category whose passion for  running is summed up in these words, “I run because I love it. The determined athlete does  not think of anything else when she runs, not even her family. Her dream is to win a gold for  India at a World Athletics Veterans meet.

Here’s wishing her all the very best from team KochiVibe . Do us proud .. ! We know you will ..

The indefinite strike by private bus operators  that affected normal life in the State for three days now has finally come to an end.

The reason for the strike : Revision of regular fares and students’ concession fares.

How it affected the normal city life : While places fully dependent on private bus services were badly affected, areas served by the KSRTC were able to manage, though with much difficulty.The impact of the strike was however minimal in the capital city  Trivandrum as members of the pro-CITU union of the KSRTC dissociated from the strike and operated services. A section of the private operators also chose to ply their vehicles here. But passengers had to wait longer, as the services were infrequent, and had to squeeze in as the buses were overcrowded.

Is there a bus strike today ??

The situation was entirely different in others parts of the State. Kochi and Kozhikode cities were virtually paralysed. Though parallel services operated in full strength, they were not able to cope with the situation. There were complaints of at least a section of them defrauding the public. The situation was no different in other cities, towns and interior areas that were fully dependent on private bus services. The pro-AITUC Kerala State Transport Employees Union claimed that the KSRTC was not able to operate 1,500 services though it could have operated all its services if 9,000 of the 34,000 employees of the undertaking had reported for work.

How the KSRTC helped ease the situation : The pro-CITU KSRT Employees Association, which withdrew from the strike on the basis of an assurance given by the government, claimed that 90 per cent of the workers reported for work disregarding the ‘threats’ of the United Democratic Front union and the AITUC in some units.The KSRTC also induced 50 additional buses in the city on Thursday to bolster its services in the wake of the State-wide strike called by private bus operators.They operated on more than 15 routes, ensuring a service every 20 or 30 minutes in each of these routes. These buses were an addition to the additional 40 buses already serving from the depot. The buses operated on the Thripunithura-Kaloor route through Menaka and through Padma; on the Ernakulam-Kakkanad route; Eda Kochi-Kaloor; Cheranalloor-Thevara Ferry route (through both Chittoor and Edapally); Kaloor-Fort Kochi; Kaloor-Panangad; Chottanikkara-Ernakulam; Thripunithura-Aluva route through Karimukal; Njarakkal-Thripunithura; Ernakulam-Kumbalanghi; Ernakulam-Eloor; Thevara-Aluva and Njarakkal-Kakkanad-CEPZ routes.

Similarly, the RTC ran more buses from Aluva and Angamaly to Ernakulam, from Paravur and Kodungallur to Ernakulam through the Goshree bridges and on the Poothotta-Ernakulam route.

All this drama .. and whats the end effect ? The decision to put an end to the indefinite strike came after discussions held with the Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan today.The Kerala High Court  asked the government not to consider the fare hike before the strike is called off by the striking bus owners. The court made this observation while considering a petition requesting the indefinite strike to be termed illegal. The court has to ensure that the daily life doesn’t come to a stand still. The government is just thinking about the fare hike .

A personal take on this issue : It is a fact that the fuel prices are increasing , and that the Student Ticket ( or ST ) helps the bus owners in no way other than getting coins. With these facts in hand , why is the Government or the KHC so adamant about not agreeing to a price hike ? I would say, by agreeing to some genuine needs by bus operators , we could all live a strike free life . Atleast , till the next fuel price rise . !  And ,NO, I am not the son of a private bus owner. Just thinking from the protesters side ..

Another take ? : Well, statistically speaking , we are a state with more strikes and harthals than normal public holidays and weekends. So, giving in to the demands of one protester would obviously lead to another protest or demand.

We are all people with different views ., and here’s the problem with that,  different views = different opinions = different wants = different strikes = lots of lazy days @ home .. !  :P

Another year is coming to an end. We all bid adieu to 2009 and beckon in 2010, the beginning to a new decade. We have a lot to look forward to in the next year, most importantly for me is the FIFA World Cup in South Africa ( pardon my try at humor, but I am serious in a sense ). But we all have something or another waiting for us in 2010, it is tradition that we say goodbye to this year in a manner befitting it. New Year to most people is synonymous with parties(wild ones), crowds, huge gatherings of people and so on. Each culture has its own way of celebrating it. Kochi is soon picking up the pace on being social and trend-savvy to celebrate New year in all manner possible. So to those still planning on what to do for the New Year’s Eve, here are some suggestions that I can merely provide.

Parties
As always a lot of people look forward to the end of the year to let loose. Parties are on of the foremost places where you can do that, well in a sane manner at the least.
Here are some parties to soothe your thirst, that is happening in Kochi on New Year’s Eve.

The Gateway hotel
One of the places where New Year parties have been happening over the past few years. Click for more info.

Casino hotel
The Casino Hotel has a retro theme to their New Year bash, if you in a retro mood check out the Casino in Wellington Island. Couple’s and Stag Entry’s cost Rs 5000/- , while kids get in cheaper.
Magic shows,DJ nights and food is what’s in store for you.

Renaissance
Rejoice is their New Year program, which they have had since 2005 where they celebrate the New Year. Its accompanied by DJ’s, Live band’s, Professional Dancer’s, a huge Gala Buffet with more than 100 dishes to try out!
This is another good place for families to try out.

Taj Malabar
One of the swankiest places in town. For fine dining check out their dinner and of course their water front lwans will be set afire by the festivities with a DJ and all the works!

Dream Hotel
Always a hot place in town for parties. Click for more info.

Glow Disco Bar
One of the clubs that offers regular parties. Bound to be a fun night over there. Click for more info.

Gokulam Park
Free Formation has a party setup for you over there.Click for more info.

Le Meridien
Celebrate the New Year with The Blue Torrent at Le Meridien. Music extravaganza by bollywood fame Shrradha Pandit, DJ’s,mega buffer dinner all await you for the New Year Celebration.

Avenue Regent
Have a succulent dinner at the Springs restaurant for the New Year or head to Loungevity, which has one of Kochi’s hottest dance floors and party your socks off late into the night.

Ramada Resort
Check out another hot party spot at the Ramada Resort, they are hosting the Song of the Seas New Year party with Kingfisher. Exotic dancers, three DJ’s, unlimited beverages,of course the food and more.

Micheals Land Resort
Another place that could be a good place to spend your New Year’s eve. Click for more info.

DD Retreat
Try out DD Retreat for fun with the family. Click for more info.

Mermaid Hotel
The Mermaid will host a Mermaid night to celebrate the New Year, with the familiar Filipino female band lending their music. Fireworks, cinematic & folk dance, karaoke and more are what they have in stock for you.

Dinner parties
If you aren’t exactly the socialite and prefer quiet dinners with your close friends to parties, a dinner at home is your best option. Whip up some of your best dishes, get your friends to pitch in with some of theirs too and welcome the New Year over some good food and Wine if you are in the mood for it. Go for whatever that fits your mood but remember the hangover that comes with it. So unless you have work to get to in the morning, have fun! Better stock up on drinks and groceries as soon as possible if you doing the hard way or have it done fast food style and order take-out.

Experience the Surreal
These are prone to had a risk tag to it as is done in the late hours, don’t worry its nothing illegal either. You can roam around the corners of Kochi where you wouldn’t be able to otherwise in peace during the day, watch the flights takeoff from the airport, the calm waves of the sea from the beaches, the alluring lights of the city from a high rise, its all up to your imagination. Park yourself at a strategic location and watch the Sunrise on the first day of the New Year with your close buds. But stay clear from any funny stuff and dangerous spots where criminals can catch you in a tight spot. Also don’t give the Police a reason to haul you in. Keep it neat and clean and you can experience something great, simple as it may seem.

Cochin Carnivale
Its harder to get to this event at Fort Kochi than any event in Kochi. The Thomppumpady bridge is jam-packed usually due to the majorly high influx of traffic into the Fort Kochi side and it is hard to get there with the police restricting vehicle movement. If you get there early enough or have two-wheelers as your mode of transportation, you really should try to get in the sight of the ‘Burning of the Santa’ on the beach side. Locals and foreigners alike throng to catch a sight of this spectacle.

Note:The New Year is always the time to be merry, alcohol do form a major factor but do refrain from drunken driving, hire a driver or decide the designated driver between your chums, don’t cause misery to your family and to others.

So on this note I wish you all A Happy New Year Kochi! See you in 2010!