The 35th Anniversary Celebration

On December 20, 2024, Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture marked its 35th anniversary at its Payyanur Centre with vibrant celebrations, supported by Dorf Ketal Chemicals India. The event was a blend of cultural performances, academic reflections, and heartfelt tributes to 35 unsung heroes of Kerala’s lesser-known art forms. The function was presided over by Dr. V. Jayarajan, Chairman of Folkland, and inaugurated by Shri T.I. Madhusoodhanan, MLA, who praised Folkland's tireless cultural preservation efforts over the past three and a half decades. A highlight of the celebration was the honoring of 35 traditional artists and practitioners—ranging from folk sculptors, dancers, singers, and voice artists to environmentalists, midwives, and traditional cooks—who have contributed to Kerala’s intangible cultural heritage. Each was felicitated with a shawl, a wooden memento, and a certificate. Padma Shri recipient and Kathakali maestro Sadanam Balakrishnan graced the occasion as chief guest, lending his stature and encouragement to the proceedings. The event also featured the inauguration of a two-month mural painting training course, launched by eminent art historian Shri K.K. Marar and addressed by renowned mural artist Shri K.R. Babu. The anniversary was a tribute to tradition, community, and cultural resilience, reinforcing Folkland’s mission to keep Kerala’s rich heritage alive and thriving.