Founded in 1989, the Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture has been a beacon of hope for preserving and promoting intangible cultural heritage. Over the past three and a half decades, it has undertaken various activities, focusing on research, documentation, and the revival of lesser-known art forms that might otherwise fade into oblivion. This enduring commitment has earned Folkland numerous accolades, including the prestigious Best Performing Centre Award (2001-2002) from the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, and accreditation by UNESCO in 2010 for providing advisory services in intangible cultural heritage.
Folkland has also been recognized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) under the Ministry of External Affairs and the Festival of India Cell under the Ministry of Culture. These associations have enabled Folkland to extend its reach globally, with its artists performing in countries such as the Republic of Korea, Italy, the United States, China, France, Germany, Switzerland, Tanzania, Kenya, Bangkok, Iran, and Russia among other countries.
Milestones and Contributions
Over the years, Folkland has organized festivals, workshops, and training programs to pass on traditional knowledge to younger generations. other initiatives include regional, national, and international seminars, as well as the digitization of more than 250,000 palm leaf manuscripts. Its museum in Payyanur, dedicated to folk arts and material culture, is a testament to the organization’s dedication to preserving heritage.
In the past seven years, Folkland has initiated programs aimed at empowering women and marginalized communities, including the transgender community, by leveraging intangible cultural heritage to sustain livelihoods. Supported by Dorf Ketal Chemicals’ CSR initiatives, these efforts have trained approximately 50,000 individuals.
The 35th Anniversary Celebration
On December 20, 2024, Folkland celebrated its 35th anniversary at its Payyanur Centre with the generous support of Dorf Ketal Chemicals. The event was marked by cultural performances, academic reflections, and a tribute to 35 unsung heroes of lesser-known art forms. Dr. V. Jayarajan, Chairman of Folkland, presided over the event, which was inaugurated by T.I. Madhusoodhanan, MLA. In his speech, Mr. Madhusoodhanan lauded Folkland for its tireless efforts over the past 34 years.
The honourees were recognized with shawls, wooden mementos, and certificates. Among them were Vandana Puthukkai (Ottan Thullal), Surendran Kookanam (Folk Sculpture), Suhara Kasargod (Kaimutt Pattu), Sunil Panikker (Kothamoori) Suhara Kasargod (Kaimutt Pattu) Sudhi Payyanur (Melam) Rohini Narayana(Kanyapu) Raveendran Panikker (Palm leaf Craft) Rama K. Khandige (Mathira) Rajeevan Mattool (Chimmanakkali) Kandal Rajan (Environment conservation) Raghavan. M. (Kokkali) Prasanth Pattiam (Voice artist) Pradeepkumar (Thidambu Nritham) Narayanan. V.M.(Cookery) P. Narayanan (Poorakkali) Nani Kunnoth Parambu (Grinding Songs) Matta Narayanan (Yakshaganam) Aviyil Majeed (Oppana) T.V. Lalitha (Binding) Lakshmi Krishnan Panikker (Midwifery) Kunhirama Peruvannan (Thottam Pattu) Krishnan Kutty (Kurathiyattam) Khalid Pallippuram (Duff mutt) Kannan Malom (Eruthukali) Babu Gurukkal (Kolkali) A.K. Balan Peruvannan (Theyyam Costumes) Bhasakaran Gurukkal (Keli Pathram) Balan. P.V. (Kitaran Painting) Aneesha Ratheesh (Thiruvathitakkali) A.V. Chandukuttay (Krishippani ) Johny. T.J. (Margom kali) Kallalan (Folk Craft) Amabadi (Koramba) Janardhanan Pudusseri (Folk songs) Afsal Gurukkal (Kalari).
Honoring the artist
Padma Shri awardee and Kathakali maestro Sadanam Balakrishnan graced the occasion as the chief guest. Another highlight was the inauguration of a two-month-long mural painting training course by art historian Shri K.K. Marar, with an address by eminent mural painter Shri K.R. Babu.
Kathakali maestro Padmasaree Guru Sadanam Balakrishnan
Art historian Shri K.K. Marar
Day One Highlights
The evening concluded with a folksong session led by Mrs. Nani Kunnoth Parambu and Janardhanan Pudusseri, followed by a captivating stick dance performance by the Kunnoth Parambu women’s team.
Folksong by Mr. Janardhanan Puthussery
Folksong by Mrs. Nani Kunnoth
Stick dance performance by the Kunnoth Parambu women’s team
Celebrating Folkland's Legacy: Honoring Luminaries of the Malayalam Film Industry
The event was graced by the presence of renowned personalities P.P. Kunhikrishnan, Mrs. Thambai M., Mrs. Chandrika, and Mrs. Pushpa C.K., all of whom have made significant contributions to the Malayalam film industry. A major highlight of the day, their participation underscored their deep connection with Folkland, as they had either received training from the organization or were closely associated with its programs in the past.
Photo Exhibition
A photo exhibition and a brochure/flyer display showcasing the major programs and milestones of Folkland over the past 35 years were presented at the venue as part of the 35th Anniversary celebrations.
Day Two Highlights
The valedictory session, inaugurated by Kerala State Archaeology Minister Shri Ramachandran Kadannappalli, celebrated Folkland’s contributions to heritage conservation. In his address, the minister acknowledged the organization’s remarkable efforts. Chairman Dr. V. Jayarajan presided, while other distinguished speakers included Shri Payyanur Kunhiraman, a local historian and author, and Dr. Saji Prabhakar, Assistant Director of the Handicrafts Department.
The event also featured the release of a CD of environmental songs written by Shri Udinur Mohan and directed by Revishankar, with performances by renowned singers. Kathakali songs were performed by Kalamandalam Narayanan Nambisan, adding a classical touch to the proceedings.
Kerala State Archaeology Minister Shri Ramachandran Kadannappalli inaugurating the valedictory session
Release of a CD of environmental songs by Kerala State Archaeology Minister
Minister interacting with the artists trained by Folkland
Looking Ahead
As the Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture celebrates this milestone, it rededicates itself to preserving and promoting folklore traditions for future generations. The organization’s unwavering commitment is a beacon of hope, ensuring that the rich tapestry of cultural heritage remains vibrant and relevant in the modern world.
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