Fort Visit - CHANDRAGIRI Fort
World Heritage Week, observed annually from November 19 to November 25, is a celebration dedicated to the conservation and promotion of cultural and natural heritage globally. The theme for 2024, "Discover and Experience Diversity", emphasized the need to embrace and preserve the rich diversity of global heritage sites and traditions. This week-long festival underscored the collective responsibility of individuals, communities, and governments in protecting these treasures for future generations.
The 2024 celebrations, organized by the Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture in collaboration with Dorf Ketal Chemicals India and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), were a profound blend of education, recognition, and cultural revival. Through an array of programs, the event honored cultural custodians, fostered intergenerational learning, revived traditional art forms, and explored historical landmarks.
Cheruvayal Raman
The festivities commenced with a tribute to Mr. Cheruvayal Raman, a cultural luminary from Wayanad known for his dedication to preserving traditional agricultural practices, eco-friendly construction methods, and local history. Raman’s use of sustainable materials like mud, hay, and wood, along with his expertise in inland fishing techniques, showcases his vast repository of indigenous wisdom.
During a special visit to his home, Dr. V. Jayarajan, Chairman of Folkland, presented Raman with a shawl as a token of appreciation. Prominent figures such as Mr. K. Sureshan, Mr. B. Satheesan, Mr. M. Rakesh, and Mrs. Saranjini Jayarajan expressed their admiration for Raman’s unwavering commitment to heritage conservation.
To inspire the younger generation, Folkland organized visits to the Folkland Museum, enabling students to engage deeply with cultural artifacts and folklore. A standout initiative was the participation of students from Patiam West UP School, located 70 kilometers away near Thalassery. Led by teacher Mrs. Swapna Deepak, 15 students immersed themselves in an overnight educational program at the museum. Interactive classes conducted by experts Mr. B. Satheesan and Mrs. Rajitha enriched the students’ understanding of heritage and its relevance in contemporary society.
MURAL Painting Workshop
One of the significant efforts of the week was a workshop aimed at preserving the 1,000-year-old art of Kerala mural painting. Held in Monacha, a heritage village near Kanhangad, this program attracted 30 participants, including school children and women. The workshop, inaugurated by Mrs. Sujatha K.V, Chairperson of Kanhangad Municipality, was led by Mrs. Priya Gopal, an eminent mural artist who guided attendees through the intricate techniques of this traditional art form.
MURAL Painting Workshop
Adding to the cultural vibrancy, Mrs. Thambayi, an 80-year-old folk singer and film actor, captivated participants with renditions of folk songs. The event featured addresses by distinguished speakers such as Mr. M.V. Ramakrishnan, Mr. Pramod Panikker, Mr. M. Sajth, and Mr. K. Sureshan, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of the art form.
A heritage trail focusing on the iconic forts of Kasaragod district offered history enthusiasts a deep dive into the region’s architectural marvels and their historical significance. A dedicated team, including Dr. V. Jayarajan, Dr. Sindhu Joseph, Adv. P.V. Harish, Mr. Kunjikannan Kakkanath, Mr. Ravindran Padi, Mr. K.V. Raghavan Master, Mr. K. Suresan, Mrs. Saranjini Jayarajan, Mrs. Rajitha V.M., Mrs. Sreeja C.V., Mrs. Neenu Sukumaran, Mr. Sangeeth Bhaskar, Mr. B. Satheesan, Mr. Arjun, Mrs. Aneesha Ratheesh, Mrs. Uma Devi, Mrs. Tessy Joseph, and Mrs. Simi Rajmohan, visited prominent forts across the district, highlighting the urgent need for their preservation and improved accessibility.
Fort Visit - KANHANGAD Fort
Fort Visit - BEKAL Fort
Fort Visit - BEKAL Fort
The journey commenced at Arikady Fort, Kumbla, and included visits to Povval Fort, which was historically used to store agricultural produce like paddy, pepper, and coconut. The next stop was the Kasaragod Fort, a neglected yet historically significant site that is losing its original grandeur due to encroachment by government and private entities. The trail continued to the Chandragiri Fort, perched near the serene Chandragiri River, and culminated at Bekal Fort, the largest fort in Kerala, managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. Bekal Fort, an architectural marvel built in the 1700s, serves as an iconic symbol of North Kerala and has even been featured in films. The final stop was the Kanhangad Fort (Puthiyakota), now partially occupied by government offices and residences. At each site, the team assessed the current state of these historical landmarks and discussed the challenges in maintaining their legacy.
Cheruvayal Raman
A meeting held at the beginning of the visit at Arikady Fort was presided over by Dr. V. Jayarajan, INTACH Chapter Convener. Several distinguished speakers enriched the discussion, including Dr. Sindu Joseph, Head of the Tourism Department at Manjeshwaram College; historian Mr. Kunjikannan Kakkanath; poet and local historian Mr. Ravindran Padi; district literacy committee member Mr. K.V. Raghavan Master; and INTACH Co-Convener Adv. P.V. Harish.
The speakers emphasized these forts' cultural and historical significance, underlining their potential as key tourism assets and symbols of the region's heritage. They also called for concerted efforts from authorities and the community to safeguard these treasures for future generations.
World Heritage Week 2024 concluded with a resounding commitment to preserving and celebrating cultural heritage. The diverse initiatives bridged the gap between generations, instilling pride and awareness among participants while emphasizing the importance of safeguarding heritage for the future.
The week’s activities—honoring living legends, reviving traditional art forms, educating youth, and exploring historical landmarks—highlighted the enduring significance of heritage in shaping collective identity. These efforts were a testament to the spirit of the week’s theme, “Discover and Experience Diversity,” inspiring a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of global heritage.
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