Kannur: The New Year celebration avenues of the state are generally dominated by men. But, women of Kannur are all geared up to change the misconception, thanks to the District panchayat’s ‘She Night Fest’, a mega new year celebration to be organized and performed exclusively by women. Over 50,000 women from all walks of life will join the celebrations on the Payyabalam beach to enjoy this New Year's Eve, according to organisers. It's a first-of-its-kind event hosted by the district, and fully managed by women organisers.

As part of the programme, as many as 75 cultural events performed by professional and amateur teams will be held on two stages from 3 pm on December 31. Adding colour to the event, elected lady representatives and officers of various government departments will also perform dance and other cultural events. Vilakal mela, sangeetha shilpam, kalari performance, drama, sinkari melam, and dance performances are some of the events scheduled for the day. Kannur District panchayat president PP Divya said things have changed as women started going out to have fun during the New Year celebrations. “But, the society has not accepted this as a norm. Normally, they go out with their family. The She Night Fest aims to offer more space and facility for women to celebrate New Year's Eve”, she added.

The fest will begin with a mehndi design competition at 3.30 pm at Payyambalam Park. A public meeting will be held at 6 pm to mark the official launch of the event. Formal health minister PK Sreemathi teacher will formally inaugurate the festival while district panchayat president PP Divya will preside over it. Film actor Kannur Sreelatha will be honoured on the occasion. Women personalities from various walks of life will also be in attendance. A tug-of-war competition, in which teams of women from across the district will participate, is scheduled for 11 pm. The highlight of the programme will be a musical treat by the Last Bench music band. The events will wrap up by midnight.

A 450-member organising committee comprising panchayat presidents, CDS chairperson, other prominent women personalities and more has been formed to run the event. In addition, a 48-member executive committee is also working round the clock to make the event a grand success. “We don’t expect any untoward incident during the celebrations as Kannur has always had an elite audience for cultural events. However, we have formed a 100-member volunteer squad to monitor the event. Additionally, a special team from the police and Fire Force will also be deployed”, said Divya.  

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