The twelve-day 'Vasantholsavam' flower and light festival began in Kerala on Wednesday evening. The event, organised by the Department of Tourism, offers a spectacular show of flowers and lights, adding sparkle to the Christmas and New Year festivities. Tourism and Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas inaugurated the festival. He said the light show has the theme 'Illuminating Joy, Spreading Harmony.' It highlights Kerala’s communal harmony and social unity. Mr. Riyas added, "The Tourism department is focusing on every vertical of the State’s tourism sector whether it is beach tourism, high range experiences, cinema tourism or wellness tourism." Visitors can see a giant, illuminated sleigh pulled by reindeer at the entrance of Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds, welcoming the year 2026. The festival features immersive walkways lined with large glowing floral and leaf-shaped structures in purple and white. A major highlight is a giant red-and-gold dragon installation. The show brightens streets and heritage sites for residents and tourists alike. The event presents over 35,000 pots of flowering plants curated by Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Palode. A special chrysanthemum festival displays more than 8,000 chrysanthemum flowers and plants. Other flowers like dahlias, marigolds, petunias, zinnias, daisies, anthuriums, lilies, and tulips are also showcased. There will be flower decoration expos and competitions for adults and students. Visitors can purchase flowers and plants from nursery stalls. Entry tickets are ₹50 for adults and ₹30 for children.