Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin is scheduled to throw open the marvellous glass fibre bridge joining Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue at Kanyakumari. This world-class, 77-meter-long, 10-meter-wide bridge, built at a cost of Rs 37 crore, is supposed to make it possible for tourists to reach the Thiruvalluvar Statue even at rough seas and low tides, thus providing a much-needed fillip to tourism in this region.

The Thiruvalluvar Statue, one of the most iconic landmarks in Kanyakumari, was first launched in 2000 by then-Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. To commemorate its legacy, the state government has planned a grand three-day celebration that will culminate on January 1.

Art events scheduled for December 31 stand cancelled with the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Events that have been scheduled for January 1 will now take place tomorrow. The Kanyakumari has been decorated with colorful lights, and the Thiruvalluvar Statue will be aglow in laser light during the night, creating a festive atmosphere.

CM Stalin will give copies of Thirukkural during these celebrations and distribute awards to 25 people. He will also visit the Poompuhar boat station and pay floral tributes to Padamalar. The government has planned all such programs to attract tourists from different parts of India and from other countries.

In pics:

bridge 1
Photograph: (TOI)
bridge 2
Photograph: (TOI)
bridge 3
Photograph: (TOI)
bridge 4
Photograph: (TOI)
bridge 5
Photograph: (TOI)

To bring the festivities closer to its citizens, the Chennai Corporation would be telecasting the festival celebrations live across 15 zones, including Thiruvottriyur, Manali, Madhavaram, Royapuram, Ambattur, and Kodambakkam. This way, it makes sure that all the city dwellers can see the majesty of the celebrations and the beauty of the Thiruvalluvar Statue.