The Kerala International Folk Festival, organized by the Kerala Folklore Academy, continues to present a visual feast of national and international folk arts for audiences in Thiruvananthapuram. Performances by artists from countries such as Africa, Russia, Spain, Brazil, China, and Egypt, along with folk art forms from sixteen Indian states, are creating a unique and enriching cultural experience for visitors. A special feature of the festival is the first-time presentation of the traditional art forms of Kerala’s tribal communities on a single platform. As this is the first such event organized by the Academy, Chairman O. S. Unnikrishnan stated that the programme has been successfully executed with efficient coordination and high organizational standards.
Yesterday’s performances, including Ghana’s Akwaba, Odisha’s Ranapa Dance, Jharkhand’s Gond Maria Dance, Karnataka’s Siddi Dance, and Kerala’s traditional art forms such as Kakkarissi Natakam, Vilpattu, Kalattam, Mudiyettam, Kambukali, Chavittu Natakam, and Malapulaya Attam, offered the audience a refreshing artistic experience.
Today’s (February 8) main attractions include the Russian Ballet presented by a Russian cultural troupe, the Ultra Violet Butterfly Wings Dance by an international group, Maharashtra’s Pahadi Gondhi Maria Dance, Assam’s Bihu Dance, Chhattisgarh’s Gond Maria Dance, and Kerala’s Kolkali, Rajasooyam Kolkali, Karimpoli Band, Irula songs and dances, Seethakali, and Malavettu Mangalamkali. On the concluding day tomorrow, performances will feature Spain’s Flamenco Dance and Brazil’s Samba Brazil Dance.
