The Kerala International Folk Festival was inaugurated in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, bringing together a vibrant mix of global and Indian folk traditions in a celebration of diverse cultural heritage. The event began at the Police Parade Ground, Thycaud, with the official opening announced by Kerala’s General Education Minister V. Sivankutty. The festival is scheduled to continue through Monday, offering free public entry and showcasing an array of performances meant to entertain, educate and connect communities through art and tradition.
This year’s edition of the festival features folk dance and music troupes from six foreign countries, alongside performers representing 16 Indian states, highlighting the richness and breadth of folk art forms across regions. A variety of traditional Kerala art forms are also part of the programme, ensuring that local cultural expressions stand alongside international influences.
The opening day was marked by several standout performances, including Ghana’s Akwaba dance and drum ensemble, an International LED drum boats dance, and traditional Indian dances such as Baiga from Madhya Pradesh, Ghoomar from Rajasthan, and Toda from Tamil Nadu. Kerala’s own vibrant folk traditions, like Padayani, Pooppada Thullal and Kadathanadan Kalaripayattu, were also presented, drawing enthusiastic responses from the audience.
In addition to live dance and music, the festival incorporates a National Tribal Festival component and features handicraft exhibitions, with five international stalls and 80 national stalls offering handcrafted goods. This inclusion of artisan showcases adds an interactive dimension, giving visitors a chance to appreciate traditional crafts alongside performing arts.
Organised by the Kerala Folklore Academy, the festival aims to strengthen cultural exchange and promote folk art sustainability by providing a platform where traditional performers can reach new audiences and engage with cultural peers from around the world.
News as reported
