Date:05/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/01/05/stories/2007010502170200.htm

Kerala

Malabar shopping fete losing its sheen

A LET DOWN: The temporary bridge over the Canoly Canal that connected the Malabar Shopping Festival exhibition to the city which collapsed on Monday is yet to be repaired. — Photo: S. Ramesh Kurup

Three days after a portion of the temporarily built bridge across the Canoly Canal caved in, there was no sign of completion of the repair works. People have to travel a long distance to reach Swapna Nagari, the place where the trade fair and circus performances are held as part of Malabar Shopping Festival.

Though the festival began with much fanfare, organising leaves much to be desired. Trade fair was a great disappointment. There has been lot of criticism about the distribution of coupons.

Some shopkeepers were reluctant to distribute the coupons voluntarily. Business seminars saw poor attendance. The police also failed to bring down cases of harassment against women. The organisers had talked about conducting such a festival with a view to promoting tourism and business opportunities.

The challenge is how far the festival could rise to the position of Malabar Mahotsav, which is a prominent event in the cultural calendar in this part of the world.

J.S. Bablu