A Malabar Shopping Festival will be held in Kozhikode from December 20 to January 20 as part of the 140th anniversary celebrations of the Corporation of that city. The festival, being organised by the district administration and the corporation, aims to promote business and tourism in the State, with focus on the Malabar region.

Addressing presspersons at the Ernakulam Press Club on Sunday, Kozhikode Mayor M. Bhaskaran said the Finance, Industries and Tourism departments had come together to help organise the festival. "It is based on the Dubai Shopping Festival, and our endeavour is to make it as popular as that," he said.

Programmes had been planned to attract people from neighbouring districts and States to the festival, creating a "Malabar experience" in the whole of Kozhikode.

"This is the State Government's pilot project and such festivals will be organised across the State. This is the first time that tourism is being highlighted in a major way at a festival," said A. Jayathilak, Kozhikode District Collector and Director of the event.

The festival motto is "More shopping, more entertainment." The theme music will be ready soon, based on Kaithapram Damodaran Namboodiri's lyrics. The official logo was launched by P.K.S. Raja of the Zamorin family, erstwhile rulers of Kozhikode. Cultural events will be staged in 10 venues in the city during the festival. A halwa festival' has been arranged by the Halwa Association of Kozhikode. Football and cricket matches and street entertainments have been planned. There will be demonstrations by the Navy, Air Force and Fire and Rescue Services.

Mr. Jayathilak said the budget for the festival was Rs. 5 crore, of which the State Government would give Rs. 1.5 crore. "The streets will wear a festive look and shops will be decorated. A dream city where amusements will be on show; a snow park resembling the ones in foreign countries; water sports events; business seminars; magic shows; paragliding, hot-air balloon and bungee jumping; a flower show; an aqua show; a handicraft exhibition; a film festival; circus and a magic show have been organised.

"It will be a display of public-private partnership, falling during the Christmas vacation and New Year time," he said. A helicopter has been arranged for those who want to have an aerial view of Kozhikode.

Treasure hunts, package tour of tourist locales in Malabar, floating restaurants in the backwaters, flying trapeze, Burma bridge, commando net, Tarzan swing, rides on elephant, camel, horse and so on have been arranged.