The enchanting ‘Spice Coast’ in the northern region of Kerala, renowned as North Malabar, will come alive with a vibrant tapestry of colors and the grandeur of the cultural spectacle known as the ‘Bekal International Beach Festival,’ starting from December 24. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate this inaugural 10-day international beach festival, a celebration that captures the essence and diversity of the district’s culture and artistry, showcasing the rich tapestry of India’s cultural heritage, at the majestic Bekal Beach Park.

Organizers anticipate that approximately five lakh visitors from around the world will converge upon the festival, which will be hosted at three venues: Chandragiri, Thejaswini, and Payaswini. This event not only seeks to rejuvenate the district’s development by showcasing its potential but also promises a feast of cultural and musical evenings, food festivals showcasing Kasargod’s cuisine, exhibitions, and guided tour programs.

A major highlight of the festival will be beach sports, which are typically hosted on foreign shores, and are expected to attract tourists from various parts of the world, particularly the Arab world.

MLA CH Kunhambu stated that the festival will reflect the historical essence of Kasargod and convey the diverse identity and cultural roots of the region, often referred to as the ‘Sapthabhasha Sangamabhoomi’ (the land where seven languages meet), to a global audience. He commended the local community for their wholehearted support, transcending caste, religion, and politics, to organize the event on a grand scale. Kunhambu emphasized that the festival will showcase a cross-section of the region’s culture and unique identity.

National artists will perform at Chandragiri, while Thejaswini will feature programs by Kudumbasree workers, and Payaswini will showcase traditional art forms performed by local artists. Notable figures from politics, culture, and literature will deliver cultural talks before the main events at the venues.

According to the legislator, over two and a half lakh tickets have already been sold, and the event is being conducted in line with green protocols. Kunhambu envisioned Kasargod as a microcosm of India, embracing and exhibiting its artistic, cultural, linguistic, and social diversities during the festival, which spans across 50 acres.

A lineup of renowned artists, including the Nooran Sisters, Sithara Krishnakumar, Vidhu Prathap, Shabnam Riyaz, Mohammed Aslam, Praseetha Chalakkudy, Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar, and Stephen Devassy, among others, will grace the festival with their performances.

The festival will feature various other events on different days, including helicopter rides, a robotic show, a kite festival, a flower show, water sports, a bridal fashion contest, a kids’ fashion show, a national business trade expo, an education expo, an automobile expo, and an aqua show.

The Bekal International Beach Festival will host over 1,000 international, national, and local artists, with eminent personalities like Cuban Ambassador Alejandro Simancas Marin expected to attend, as per an official statement. Tourists can also avail themselves of the ‘Yathrashree’ special tour package offered by Kudumbasree, allowing them to explore exotic tourist destinations in the Kasargod district, savor traditional Kasargod cuisine, and witness traditional arts such as Theyyam, Alaamikkali, and Yakshagana.

Festival tickets, in digital form with QR codes, are available for purchase through Kudumbashree and cooperative banks. The Bekal International Beach Festival is organized by Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC) in collaboration with the District Tourism Promotion Council, Kudumbashree, Asmi Holidays, and local self-government bodies in the district. The event will conclude on January 2, 2023.