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Kerala Tourism is set to host Yaanam, a distinctive travel literary festival, in Varkala from October 17 to 19. The event seeks to honor the essence of travel through art and literature, bringing together travelers, authors, artists, photographers, vloggers, and documentary filmmakers for a vibrant cultural exchange.
The festival will be held at Ranga Kala Kendram, located atop the scenic Varkala Cliff. Yaanam was envisioned by author and curator Sabin Iqbal, with programming led by writer Nirmala Govindarajan. This gathering aims to attract adventure enthusiasts and creative individuals from around the world.
Yaanam's Vision and Development Plans
Tourism Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas emphasized that Yaanam serves not just as a literary event but as a lively cultural platform that highlights the importance of travel through shared narratives. He also announced a project worth Rs.25 crore aimed at improving tourism infrastructure in Varkala.
The announcement event featured Mr. V. Joy, MLA, and Ms. Sikha Surendran, Director of Kerala Tourism, who pointed out that Yaanam will present Varkala's tourism potential to an international audience.
Exciting Line-up of Speakers and Performers
The festival will feature an impressive array of speakers and performers. Among the highlights are Booker Prize-winning author Shehan Karunatilaka and Grammy-winning musician Prakash Sontakke. Additionally, journalist Pallavi Aiyar and poet Prof. Nathalie Handal are notable participants.
Tibetan poet Tenzin Tsundue and adventurer Piya Bahadur will share their compelling stories as well. The lineup also includes travel documentarians Priya Ganapathy and Anurag Mallick, culinary expert Karen Anand, and vlogger Kritika Goel.
Interactive Workshops and Curated Experiences
In addition to panel discussions, Yaanam will offer curated trails that explore Varkala's attractions. Participants can engage in interactive workshops focused on writing, photography, and wellness, allowing them to creatively immerse themselves in the destination.
This festival builds upon Kerala Tourism's previous initiatives, such as the Destination and MICE Tourism Conclave and the Responsible Tourism Conclave, showcasing Kerala's commitment to innovative cultural tourism strategies.
The first edition of Yaanam promises a rich array of voices and insights, ensuring a fulfilling experience for all participants. Emphasizing inclusivity and sustainability, it represents another milestone in Kerala's advancement of cultural tourism.
