Kerala Fest 2025 continued to mesmerize audiences on its third day, drawing a lively weekend crowd to the Bittan Market Dussehra Ground.
Day 3 presented a rich tapestry of music, dance, and cultural storytelling, reflecting the artistic wealth of Kerala and Madhya Pradesh while celebrating India’s cultural diversity.
Reflecting on the festival, OD Joseph, President of UMA, lauded the overwhelming response from the public, highlighting the thousands of visitors who have engaged with the festival so far. He stated, “Kerala Fest 2025 has seen an overwhelming response from the people of Bhopal, with thousands enjoying the richness of Kerala’s art, music, dance, and cuisine. From Kathakali and Theyyam to folk dances and fusion music, the festival celebrates our vibrant traditions while fostering community unity and cultural pride. I congratulate all artists and volunteers for bringing this colorful celebration to life and invite everyone to continue experiencing the magic and heritage of Kerala in the days ahead.”
The evening commenced with soulful song performances, creating a melodious and inviting atmosphere. The Anubhooti Troupe of Bhopal enthralled audiences with a dynamic orchestra blending Hindi and Malayalam songs, featuring classical melodies, popular film tunes, and contemporary rhythms.
Renowned for their energetic stage presence and musical versatility, the troupe delivered a performance that beautifully bridged North and South Indian musical traditions, celebrating the spirit of cultural harmony and shared joy.
Bringing the spirit of North Kerala to the stage, the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) group presented the mesmerizing Theyyam dance. Derived from the Malayalam word Daivam (“God”), Theyyam is a ritual art form that unites dance, theatre, music, and worship, transforming the performer into a living embodiment of the deity.
Elaborate face painting, towering headgear, ornate costumes, and natural-pigment makeup enhanced the divine persona, while rhythmic percussion instruments such as chenda, elathalam, and veekkan chenda provided a pulsating accompaniment.
Each performance narrated stories from Hindu mythology, local legends, and ancestral traditions, and the dancer, believed to be possessed by divine energy, blessed the devotees. Recognized by UNESCO for its intangible cultural heritage value, Theyyam reflects Kerala’s folk spirituality, devotion to nature, and continuity of cultural traditions.
The evening culminated with a Fusion Music Concert that electrified the audience with an innovative blend of traditional Kerala melodies and contemporary rhythms. Renowned musicians performed a mix of 70% Hindi and 30% Malayalam folk songs, fusing classical ragas, indigenous tunes, and modern beats.
Traditional instruments like chenda, mridangam, and flute were harmonized with guitar, keyboard, and percussion, creating a dynamic dialogue between heritage and innovation. The performance offered an immersive, high-energy experience, celebrating Kerala’s evolving musical identity and the spirit of cultural fusion.
A Felicitation Programme followed, honoring distinguished guests, artists, and contributors who have supported the festival’s mission of cultural exchange and community engagement.
The festival then showcased vibrant folk dances, highlighting India’s rich grassroots heritage through rhythmic steps, expressive gestures, and colorful attire.
Kathakali, Kerala’s iconic classical dance-drama, was presented by the renowned Kalamandalam Sukumaran and his troupe. This majestic art form combines dance, drama, music, and storytelling, bringing mythological tales from the Mahabharata and Ramayana vividly to life.
Each hand gesture (mudra), facial expression, and movement conveyed profound emotion, while the chenda and maddalam provided a stirring musical backdrop. The performance transported audiences into a timeless world of devotion, drama, and visual splendor, reaffirming Kathakali as a symbol of Kerala’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
Visitors enjoyed exploring the Kerala Food Festival and craft stalls, which offered a wide range of authentic Kerala cuisine, including vegetarian Sadya, traditional snacks, black-brew coffee, and desserts. The handicraft and handloom stalls displayed coir products, jewelry, ayurvedic items, and artisanal souvenirs, allowing festival-goers to take home a piece of Kerala’s culture. The shopping zones were vibrant and diverse, reflecting both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary creativity.
Day III of Kerala Fest 2025 once again highlighted the festival’s commitment to celebrating India’s artistic richness, fostering community unity, and creating unforgettable cultural experiences. The festival continues until 16 November, promising more performances, culinary delights, and cultural exhibitions for visitors to enjoy.
