Elevate Kerala's Spirit: Keraleeyam Festival - A Comprehensive Celebration of Malayalam Heritage

From November 1st to November 7th, 2023, the picturesque state of Kerala will embrace a vibrant fusion of cultural festivities known as Keraleeyam Festival. This event is scheduled to overlap with Kerala Day, the state's unified commemoration day, which marks the unification of the state. The festival is poised to become a permanent addition to Kerala Day celebrations, celebrating the state's unique identity as a Malayalam land.

Logo and Design

The Keraleeyam Festival logo is a masterpiece with 24 spokes, each intricately designed to represent the topography of Kerala. These spokes not only symbolize the interconnectedness of the state but also mark the time span of the festival.

Trips and Events

The festival will kick off in Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital, and unfold over a seven-day period, featuring over 10 festivals and events. From international seminars to trade expos, public fairs, and food festivals, the festivities will be a melting pot of cultural and commercial activities. The climax will be a cultural showcase involving nearly 300 events across 31 venues, performed by more than 4,000 artists from across the state. These performances will celebrate the cultural glory and traditions of Kerala, including dance, music, street performances, drama, and record-breaking group performances.

Expo Venues and Art Installations

In addition to the cultural extravaganza, the festival will host a series of expo venues on themes such as IT/Digital Ecosystem, Knowledge and Wisdom, Media, Women, Visual Language, and Innovation. Art installations curated by the Kochi Muziris Biennale team and other leading art curators will also add to the visual diversity of the festival. There will be 24 international seminars and symposiums, further enriching the intellectual landscape of the event.

Product Promotion and Food Festivals

Under the theme of 'Made in Kerala,' the festival will dedicate four venues to showcase various products, from coir/bamboo products to cooperative society products, women's products, and agricultural products. Six venues will feature 280 food stalls, promoting ethnic Kerala cuisine and introducing tribal cuisine of the state. Around 60 stalls will highlight millet-based Kerala foods, aligning with the International Year of Millets.

Film and Literary Festivals

Four film theaters will showcase 140 curated Malayalam movies and 30 international documentaries, making it a true film festival. The Kerala Niyamasabha (state legislature) will be transformed into a giant literary festival hall hosting a book festival with over 5,000 collections and a series of literary shows.

Other Festivities

schools throughout Kerala will organize quiz competitions among students, improving cultural pride and knowledge among the younger generation. Additionally, a state-level photography competition themed to capture the natural beauty and locations of the state. Colleges across the state will host month-long short film and debate contests on various Keralan themes, contributing to the festival's educational objectives. Sports events, such as cycle rallies, marathons, and skating festivals, will also be organized.

Venues and Key Locations

The events will take place in various venues, including:

Manaveeyam Veedhi (Humanity Street) Tagore Theater (the largest public hall in the state) Putharikandam (one of the largest squares in the city) Kanakkakunnu Palace and Grounds (official banquet hall and one of the largest grounds of the state government) LMS Compound (central stadium) Central Stadium (behind Huzur Cutchery, the state secretariat) VGT Ayyankali Hall Nishagandhi Amphitheatre Mascot Hotel Symphony Hall Niyamasabha Mandiram (the State Legislature) Palayam Square and nearby Chandrashekar Nair Stadium

Objectives of the Festival

The festival aims to enhance the brand of Kerala on a global scale, creating a strong Keralan identity among Malayalees. It also seeks to boost tourism revenue, promote Made in Kerala products, and generate a sustainable local economy focused on SME sectors. Kerala will be celebrated as a unified state, with November 1st designated as Kerala's national day, marking a significant step towards a stronger Pan-Kerala identity.

Overall, Keraleeyam Festival is set to be a landmark event, celebrating the rich heritage and resilience of Kerala, promoting cultural exchanges, and driving economic growth.