Kerala to host a five-day music and heritage festival in Kollam from today: Entry details, dates, programme list

The shores of Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala's Kollam will come alive with music for the next five days as the Ashtamudi Water Gate Music Festival gets underway here today at the Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Complex in Asramam. Organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs, the festival will conclude on October 11.

The festival aims to offer a unique cultural experience by bringing together the distinctive natural setting of Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam’s cultural heritage and diverse musical traditions. It will also explore the relationship between water, human life, culture and music through musical performances.

Minister P C Vishnunath will inaugurate the festival today. Minister Bindu Krishna will preside over the function, while Minister Sheebu Baby John will be the chief guest. Programmes will begin at 7 pm every day. Though entry to the music programmes is free, admission will be regulated through passes.

As part of the festival, films centred on music will be screened daily from 2 pm to 4 pm from October 8. The films will explore various aspects of music, including the lives of musicians, musical traditions and the relationship between music and society. The screenings are being organised by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.

A publicity rally was held on Tuesday as part of the festival’s promotion. Collector Annie Jula Thomas flagged off the rally, which began at DTPC and concluded at the Chinnakkada Rest House. Members of Scouts and Guides, NSS, NCC, SPC, Kudumbashree, school bands and heads of various departments participated.

Programme list
October 7, Tuesday:  The Manganiyar Seduction by Royston Abel, an audio-visual musical presentation showcasing the rich soundscape of Rajasthan’s Manganiyar musical tradition.
October 8: Arakavyuham Percussion Band
October 9: Hamsi and Band
October 10: Shankha Tribe Band
October 11: Indian Ocean Band