The giant snow sleigh and reindeer installation at the ongoing ‘Vasantholsavam’ organised by the Tourism department on the Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds in Thiruvananthapuram.
The light festival at the ongoing Vasantholsavam on the Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds in the city has been drawing visitors in hordes, offering an immersive experience by its scale and grandeur. The festival of flower and lights, organised by the State Tourism department in association with the district Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), was opened on December 24, elevating the Christmas and New Year vibe.
Besides seamlessly blending with the stunning range of flowers on display at the show, the lighting spectacle has many surprises for the visitors. Greeting the guests at the entrance is a giant snow sleigh and arch, striking an instant resonance with holidayers. The installation features an archway comprising six reindeer, each standing to a height of 12 to 15 feet, leading up to a sleigh positioned on a top deck, together rising to 50 to 60 feet from the ground level.
Tunnel of lights
Visitors are then taken through a tunnel of lights, an illuminated pathway providing a unique walkthrough experience. Another widely appreciated experience is an electric forest, a high-tech lighting zone featuring a lit-up forest. Taking the guests through a futuristic experience is the space tunnel, a cosmic-themed light corridor. Then comes ‘The Tunnel of Shades’, an installation intermingled with light and shadow, creating a range of visual patterns.
Located at the main lawns of the verdant palace grounds is the crystal forest, an installation featuring trees wrapped in contrasting pink and blue lights. An interactive installation called ‘Light Amaze’ where visitors can navigate through a glowing labyrinth, a windmill called ‘The World of Reflections’, a spectacle called ‘Mirror Garden’ using reflective surfaces to multiply the impact of the lighting designs and the ‘Garden of Infinity’ giving the illusion of an endless field of light are other the attractions on the sprawling compound.
Igloo too
More surprises are in store, including Kaleido-House, a structure inspired by kaleidoscopes, offering shifting patterns and colours to those inside. The show also has a set of thematic zones such as the ‘Scandinavian Christmas’. It features an igloo, allowing visitors to experience a realistic “snow world” in the heart of the capital city.
The ‘China Town’ is designed as a culturally themed zone featuring “The Giant Red Dragon” and the ‘Pathway of the Lanterns’. The ‘Flaming Grounds’, meanwhile, is a high-intensity lighting installation mimicking the movement and glow of fire. There are also walkways and interactive areas, two distinct pathways featuring unique lighting styles to guide visitors through the different event zones. Vasantholsavam and the light festival will conclude on January 4.
Published – December 27, 2025 06:46 pm IST
