Fort Kochi Beach, just 12 km away from Kochi city, is the place to spend your new year stunningly. The beach is a natural harbor, which lends to its natural beauty. The beach is best discovered while taking a walk through the bylanes of the Kochi city. The annual carnival held in the beach is an event not to be missed. A feast is organized every year in the last week of December. The carnival's highlight is the grand procession on every new year's day. Led by an stunningly decorated elephant, the procession is accompanied by 'Panchavadyam', music bands, fancy dress, spectacular floats and folk arts forms of Kerala.

The clubs and organizations in and around West Kochi, participitate in the carnival to ensure its smooth running. Former Mayor Mr. K. J. Sohan, the man behind the carnival ever since its conceptualistion in 1984, reveals that the carnival started as a festival and has grown ever since to become a more and more dazzling carnival.

Participation, Peace, Progress, Adventure and Environment - the five captions of the carnival are enforced throughout the carnival. There are competitions to suit every individuals interest, and sends your adrenalin pumping, no matter how old you are.

Fort Kochi, also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is the commercial hub of Kerala. An important trading port ever since Roman times, the town is divided into three main parts - Fort Kochi, Willingdon Island and Ernakulam. In the South promontory on the Sea ward side of the Bay lies Fort Kochi. While the Willingdon Island was formed to increase the depth of the entrance to the harbour (by dredging the bay), Ernakulam is situated across the causeway of the Willington Island.

PANCHAVADYAM (Literally five Instruments)
A traditional temple music accompanying processions, Panchavadyam is a unique musical system. In Panchavadyam,which means Five Instruments, two or more groups with similar percussion instruments are played. Initially played independently and then together in a progressive manner, according to a rhythm to reach the audience at the peak of their appreciation prowess. It is unique and played only in Kerala.