The upcoming 7th edition of the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF), scheduled to commence on January 11 at Kozhikode Beach, is set to offer a distinctive cultural experience, with an array of unique performances and artistic presentations. Organized by the DC Kizhakemuri Foundation, this four-day literary extravaganza will not only celebrate literature but also showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Kerala.
One of the key attractions of the festival is an authentic Sufi dance, also known as a whirling Dervish ceremony, performed by artists from Konya, Turkey. Konya is renowned as the birthplace of the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi. This mesmerizing performance is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. on January 13 and promises to be a captivating cultural highlight. Turkey is the guest country for this edition of the festival, adding an international flavor to the festivities.
The festival kicks off on January 10 at 7 p.m. with a special presentation recalling the poems and songs of the late O.N.V. Kurup. The poet’s granddaughter, Aparna Rajeev, will be presenting this homage to Kurup, setting a poignant tone for the literary celebration.
Musical enthusiasts can look forward to a recital featuring Carnatic musician and writer T.M. Krishna, percussionist T.H. Vikku Vinayakram, violinist Akkarai Subbalakshmi, Swaminathan Selvaganesh, and K. Praveen Kumar at 8 p.m. on January 11. Renowned sitar maestro Budhaditya Mukherjee will take the stage on January 12 at 8 p.m., offering a soul-stirring performance.
Adding a unique touch to the festival, a presentation of premises and characters penned by M.T. Vasudevan Nair will be showcased by his daughter and Bharatnatyam artiste Ashwathy Nair and her husband N. Srikanth at 8 p.m. on the same day.
The literary and cultural festivities will conclude on January 14 at 8:30 p.m. with a concert by the multilingual Indie-folk alternative band ‘When Chai Met Toast,’ promising a vibrant and energetic conclusion to the four-day extravaganza.
In addition to literary sessions, the festival will feature screenings of notable films. Turkish movie “Kelebe in Ruyasi,” directed by Yilmaz Erdogan, will be screened on January 11 at 10 p.m. On January 12, at the same time, the audience will have the opportunity to watch the acclaimed Malayalam movie “2018- Everyone is a Hero,” directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, India’s official entry at the 96th Academy Awards. The festival will also screen the Malayalam movie “B32 Muthal 44 Vare,” directed by Sruthi Saranyam, on January 13.
As literature enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs eagerly await the 7th edition of the Kerala Literature Festival, the diverse and engaging lineup promises an enriching experience for attendees.
