Kochi: The second edition of Manorama Hortus opened at Subhash Park on Thursday with a keynote address by Festival Director N S Madhavan, Malayala Manorama Editorial Director Jose Panachipuram and Curator Bandhu Prasad.

Offering the festival’s introduction, Madhavan said that we are standing at a “historic moment”, and that Hortus embodies the philosophy of coming together and finding common ground. "Hortus is also an attempt to interpret and record the spirit of the times," he said. Meanwhile, Panachipuram described Hortus as a concept where "you and I merge as one", adding that the festival captures the many shades of a new era. "Hortus represents a shift from isolation to participation, opening the door to a more inclusive cultural space," Bandhu Prasad added.  

Both Subhash Park and Rajendra Maidan will come alive today as the festival begins its star-studded schedule. Hortus, one of Kerala’s biggest cultural gatherings, brings together more than 400 national and international participants across 225 sessions on seven stages. The formal inauguration is scheduled for 6 pm at Rajendra Maidan, where actor Mammootty will officially open the celebrations. The grand finale on November 30 will feature actor Mohanlal as the chief guest, and he will also announce the dates for the next edition. Actor Kamal Haasan is set to headline a special conversation during the festival.

Sessions begin at 11 am on Thursday, and entry is free for the public. There are seven venues spread across the two locations, including five main stages. Their names are borrowed from the thinai classifications that geographically categorised landscapes in Sangam-era literature. The main stages are Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, Neithal and Palai.

The Kurinji stage, the first venue, is at Rajendra Maidan, and the others are in Subhash Park. In addition to the thinai stages, there are two more venues: Kabani and Nilapadu Thara, also located in Subhash Park. Entry to all seven venues is free from today, the opening day. A total of 47 sessions will take place across different stages today. The ‘1888’ Manorama Pavilion, marking Malayala Manorama’s 137-year legacy, the Hortus Theatre, the Children’s Pavilion and the Book House are all situated in Subhash Park.

Mammootty kaathal, Mammootty paattu
The Manorama Hortus stage will also revisit the Kochi days that shaped Mammootty into the iconic actor. By the Kochi waterfront, the festival will present Mammootty kaathal, a life-inspired performance told through story and song. After Mammootty lights the lamp at Rajendra Maidan at 6 pm, old Kochi will be brought to life on stage.

From Chempu to Kochi, Mohammed Kutty’s theatre days around Sacred Heart College, Maharaja’s and Law College, his court days in Manjeri wearing a lawyer’s coat, and the milestones along his journey to stardom will unfold on stage. Mammootty paattu will add life to these visuals. NV Ajith is the show director, and actor Pisharadi will present Mammootty kaathal.

Radio Mango studio at Subhash Park
To capture and broadcast the spirit of Hortus across the state, Radio Mango has set up a special studio at Subhash Park. Through the programme Hortus Junction, the channel will air live updates from the park from 4 pm for the next four days. Guests arriving at Hortus, including film stars and artists, will join the show. Listeners and selected visitors at the festival can also participate from the Radio Mango studio.

Crowds at the Book House
Step through the doorway between giant open book pages and enter the Hortus Book House, a space filled with literature and learning. The Book House, set up ahead of the festival at Subhash Park, saw a heavy flow of visitors on its first day. People began arriving in the morning, and by evening, children and families had made the space lively.

A wide selection of children's books is available here. Thousands of titles in English and Malayalam, across fiction and non-fiction, are on display. Books can be purchased at discounts ranging from 10% to 70%. The Book House will be open every day until the 30th, from 10 am to 8 pm.

Parking
Parking for visitors to Hortus is primarily arranged at Marine Drive Ground and Ernakulathappan Ground, each accommodating up to 400 vehicles. Visitors parking at Ernakulathappan Ground can walk to the venues. For those parking at Marine Drive Ground, about 2 km away, free shuttle services have been arranged. Fifteen autorickshaws will operate this service. The parking area in front of Subhash Park is reserved exclusively for two-wheelers during the festival. Two-wheeler riders can park here and walk directly to the venues. Traffic wardens have been deployed along Park Avenue Road for smooth traffic and parking management.