World Heritage Week 2025 was celebrated with great enthusiasm by Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture in collaboration with INTACH and with the CSR support of Dorf Ketal Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd. The week brought together a vibrant spectrum of cultural activities across Payyannur, Monacha, Nileshwaram, and Attappadi, highlighting Kerala’s rich artistic heritage through workshops, training programmes, performances, and heritage exploration. The celebrations aimed not only to preserve traditional knowledge but also to empower communities, especially women and tribal students, by engaging them directly with the state’s living cultural traditions.
A Grand Opening to Celebrate Heritage
World Heritage Week 2025 began with a colourful and inspiring inauguration at the Folkland Centre, Payyannur. The gathering was welcomed by K. Sureshan, followed by the presidential address of Dr. V. Jayarajan, Chairman of Folkland, who reflected on the urgency of preserving intangible heritage in changing times. Padma Shri S. R. D. Prasad Gurukkal inaugurated the celebrations, setting a dynamic tone for the week ahead. The ceremony also honoured two distinguished personalities, Prof. A. M. Sreedharan, newly appointed Advisor to the UPSC, and renowned dancer and cine artist Rachana Narayanankutty, for their contributions to society and culture. Felicitation speeches by Adv. P. V. Hareesh and mural expert K. R. Babu enriched the occasion, which concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from theatre artist Uma Devi.
Honouring the Spirit of Mural Art at Monacha
At Monacha, Nileshwaram, the nine-month Mural Painting Training Class concluded with a meaningful ceremony that celebrated the artistic journey and empowerment of the women who participated in the programme. Conducted by Folkland as part of its Women Empowerment Initiative and supported by Dorf Ketal through CSR funding, the training aimed to equip local women with professional skills in Kerala’s classical mural art, enabling them to develop both creative confidence and livelihood opportunities.
Over the months, the trainees underwent intensive instruction in traditional techniques, mastering line drawing, proportional accuracy, natural colour application, shading, and classical brushwork used in temple murals. The training not only helped them understand the visual grammar of mural painting but also connected them to the cultural and spiritual heritage embedded in the art form. For many women, this programme opened a new path for personal growth, self-expression, and economic independence.
The concluding ceremony was inaugurated by eminent mural painter K. R. Babu, whose presence was a source of inspiration to the trainees. In his address, he emphasized the importance of discipline, patience, and cultural awareness in mastering this centuries-old art. Dr. V. Jayarajan presided over the function, appreciating the commitment shown by the participants and highlighting Folkland’s ongoing mission to empower women through heritage-based skill development.
Certificates were awarded to all trainees who successfully completed the traditional training, symbolizing their dedication and artistic progression. A special honour was bestowed upon trainer Priya Gopal, whose unwavering commitment, detailed instruction, and nurturing mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping the participants into confident mural practitioners. Her guidance ensured that the trainees not only learned artistic techniques but also internalized the deeper cultural values associated with mural art.
The programme stood as a powerful example of how traditional art forms can become vehicles of empowerment, offering women the skills, recognition, and encouragement needed to build meaningful creative futures.
A vibrant mural marks Heritage Week in Nileshwaram.
As part of the Heritage Week celebrations, a mural artist trained with the CSR support of Dorf Ketal received a special opportunity to paint a wall at Monacha, Nileshwaram, in Kasaragod. This initiative highlights the commitment to preserving and promoting local art forms while encouraging young talent. The mural project not only enriched the cultural landscape of the area but also showcased the artist’s skills developed through the training program. This effort stands as a meaningful contribution to the ongoing cultural activities of the region and reinforces the importance of supporting traditional arts through CSR initiatives.
Reviving Percussion Traditions with Chenda Training
On the same day at Monacha, the inauguration of a new Chenda training class at Karthika Sri Nithyananda Kalakshetram added rhythmic energy to the Heritage Week celebrations. Sri Sivasundaran Karthika presided over the event, and Dr. V. Jayarajan inaugurated the training. A warm welcome was offered by Smt. Rajarajeswari, followed by a prayer from Sri Dileep. Felicitations from Smt. Bindu G. Sasi and a vote of thanks by Sri Nandan Mahadevan brought the ceremony to a graceful close. The event reinforced the importance of preserving Kerala’s powerful percussive heritage.
Beats of Heritage: Chenda Melam Arangettam at Attappadi
One of the most touching highlights of the Heritage Week was the Chenda Melam Arangettam of the tribal students of Attappadi, marking the completion of their eight-month-long traditional percussion training. The programme was especially significant as it offered structured Chenda coaching to Irula and other tribal children who rarely receive access to formal artistic training. A special meeting held before the Arangettam was presided over by Mrs. Uma Preman, with an introductory address by Administrator P. J. James. Inaugurating the ceremony, Dr. V. Jayarajan spoke about the cultural dignity and spiritual depth of Kerala’s percussion traditions, and the importance of bringing such art forms into tribal education.
The Arangettam took place at the sacred Malleswaran Kovil, a revered space for the Irula community, making the performance both culturally rooted and emotionally meaningful. Under the dedicated mentorship of percussionist Abhijith, the fifteen tribal students, Nikilesh S, Nitheesh M, Dharanish Das, Akash S, M. Anish, Mridhun C. M., Aneesh N., Sandeep C., Adharsh R., Aneesh R., Abhay Krishna A. R., Thisanth S., Aneesh M., Santhosh R., and Radhakrishnan K., presented a disciplined and powerful Chenda Melam. For many of them, this was their first public performance and a proud moment symbolizing newfound skill, confidence, and cultural identity.
The Arangettam not only reflected their musical progress but also stood as a testament to the transformative impact of offering traditional arts training to tribal youth, nurturing talent, building self-esteem, and strengthening their connection to Kerala’s living heritage.
A Journey through Ancient Water Heritage: Rediscovering North Kerala’s Forgotten Water Wisdom
The concluding chapter of World Heritage Week 2025 unfolded through a fascinating heritage trail that explored the ancient water resources of North Kerala. Organised by INTACH in collaboration with Folkland, this journey was more than a field visit, it was an immersive lesson in the ingenious water management systems developed by Kerala’s ancestors, systems that sustained communities long before the advent of modern engineering. Beginning at Cheruvathur Raman Chira, the trail brought participants face-to-face with natural and man-made structures that reflect centuries-old ecological knowledge deeply rooted in local culture.
The group studied rare and culturally significant water structures such as Suranga (rock tunnels), Tirthakuls, Madaka, and the unique Parathondu, Pallam each representing different methods of harvesting, storing, and distributing water. These structures were once lifelines for agrarian and temple-based communities, especially in regions where surface water was scarce. The trail allowed participants to observe the architectural ingenuity behind these systems, rock tunnels carved by hand, steep laterite formations designed to trap water, and Tirthakuls built with ritual, engineering, and community purpose layered into their very construction. The participants were encouraged to reflect on how these heritage systems, despite being centuries old, offer valuable solutions to modern water challenges such as scarcity, pollution, and climate change.
As the trail progressed, discussions naturally emerged around the cultural, environmental, and historical importance of water bodies in North Kerala. Resource persons explained how each structure once acted as a focal point not only for water security but also for community life, serving as spaces for rituals, seasonal gatherings, and ecological stewardship. The cultural value of these resources, now under threat due to neglect, changing land use, and modern construction patterns, became a central theme of the journey.
The concluding ceremony at Perla brought further depth to the exploration. Renowned environmentalist and writer Sri Padre addressed the gathering with a powerful talk on the relevance of protecting traditional water sources in an era of unpredictable rainfall and diminishing natural resources. He emphasized that Kerala’s ancient water systems stand as living heritage, practical, sustainable, and profoundly aligned with local ecology. His session inspired discussions on restoration strategies, community involvement, and educational outreach.
Dr. V. Jayarajan, presiding over the event, highlighted the responsibility of cultural organizations to protect not only artistic heritage but also ecological heritage, which forms the foundation of community survival. P. V. Harish offered reflections on how such heritage trails can spark awareness among younger generations, researchers, and local communities. The programme began with a welcome by Sureshan, who noted the increasing need for documentation and preservation, and concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Neenu Sukumaran, marking the end of an enriching and thought-provoking journey. The heritage trail also saw the active participation of Rejil T. K., Tessy John, Saranjini Jayarajan, Aswathi Suresh, Sreeja C. V., Rejitha V. M., Aneesha M. M., Priya M. C., Siji M. B., Simi, and Swapna Kumari, whose involvement added enthusiasm and collective spirit to the journey.
This heritage trail not only enhanced awareness about North Kerala’s fragile water resources but also underscored a larger lesson: heritage is not limited to temples, sculptures, and art, it also lives in rivers, ponds, tunnels, and wells that once protected entire civilisations. By reconnecting with these systems, the Heritage Week reminded us that the wisdom of the past remains vital for building a sustainable future.
A Week of Heritage, Learning, and Cultural Revival
World Heritage Week 2025 stood out as a powerful reminder of Kerala’s living heritage. Through training programmes, artistic workshops, traditional performances, and field explorations, Folkland reaffirmed its commitment to cultural preservation and community empowerment. The celebrations not only showcased the richness of Kerala’s artistic traditions but also strengthened intergenerational cultural transmission, ensuring that heritage continues to thrive in the hearts of future generations.