The world celebrates arrival of new year 2023. The frist to welcome the New Year was Pacific nation of Kiribati followed by New Zealand an hour later, Australia next and islands of Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
New Year broke horizon in Kiribati at Indian time 3.30 afternoon 31 December. New Zealand ushered in 2023 with colour and bang where thousands hit the streets in revelry in Auckland.
In our own state, Kochi is the epicenter of New Year celebrations where thousands flood outdoors to usher in the New Yea each timer.
Kochi Highlights
Kochi welcomed the New Year by setting Papaji on fire, lighting up the skyline witnessed by hundreds who filled the lighted streets flanked by illuminated buildings. Pappanji is effigy of an old man, the burning of which is a tradition integral to New Year celebrations in Fort Kochi. When the giant papanji blazes, small pappans by the roadways is also lit up. Also, stage performances were galore at Parade ground.
The Papanji burning ceremony was partaken by Hibi Eden MP, KJ Maxi MLA, RDO Padmachandrakurup, CPIM Kochi Area Secretary KM Riad, KJ Sohan, Carnival Committee General Convenor Xavier Boban and General Secretary KK Nadeer
The culminating highlight namely the Carnival Rally will take off from Fort Kochi’s Veli Maidan today at 3.30 pm ending in prize distribution at Parade ground.
