The city also jumped on the bandwagon on Saturday evening as homes, offices, shops and other landmarks here switched off the lights for one hour between 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm to observe the World Earth Hour.
The movement organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) with participation from masses worldwide also found keen supporters in the city as hundreds gathered at the Earth Hour Venue in Gandhi Park to celebrate the event and create awareness on climate change and other environmental issues.
The celebration began with young magician Indra Ajith’s ‘nature magic’ trick. This was followed by a musical performance by Saptak Instrumental Band with Earth Hour’s Kerala ambassador Suresh Gopi lighting a candle after the lights were switched off at 8.30 pm.
The ‘60+’ sign, symbolic of the movement, was formed by lighting the candles which was followed by a candle light vigil. Officials from the Kerala State Electricity Board and Energy Management Centre among others were present in support to the movement.
Earlier, a painting competition was held from 5 pm with ‘Save Energy for a Safe Future’ as the theme.
Archa Suseendran claimed first prize in the painting competition while Shika Sivaraman won the second prize.
Indus Cycling Embassy in association with the WWF organised a cycle rally on the eve along the Manaveeyam-Kowdiar stretch to create awareness on the Earth Hour and encourage the city dwellers to take up cycling. Over 80 cyclists participated in the event.
Earth Hour, celebrated every year on the last Saturday of March, is considered the largest environment campaign in the world.
The Earth Hour was first observed in India in 2009 and the participation of the public has soared every passing year since then.
