Thrissur(Kerala) | Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi on Tuesday said that the Centre has sanctioned Rs 80 lakhs as financial support for the grand boat races and festivals which are the "pillars" of Kerala's cultural heritage.

In a Facebook post, Gopi, the Union Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural gas and Tourism, said the Union government has assured strong support for such cultural events.

As part of the that the Ministry of Tourism has officially sanctioned Rs 80 lakh as financial assistance to showcase Kerala's traditions and celebrations to the world with "greater brilliance", he said.

To ensure the state's fame is seen across the world, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 20 lakh for the Nehru Trophy boat race to be held in August, Rs 25 lakh for 'pulikali' (August 29), Rs 20 lakh for Aranmula boat race on August 30 and Rs 15 lakh for the President's Trophy boat race that will take place on November 1, the minister said.

'Pulikali' is an art form performed during the Onam celebrations when artists wear masks and stripes resembling a tiger and dance.

"I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Narendra Modi government for its care in strengthening Kerala's tourism sector and these grand festivals," he said in the FB post.