Vaayo Fest Launched !
ARPO has launched Vaayo, a series of cultural events that celebrate and engage with Kerala's diverse, often overlooked traditions through immersive experiences.
On 1st November 2025, on Kerala Piravi day, ARPO launched its Vaayo festival, a series of events to celebrate Kerala’s rich, diverse and pluralistic culture. The event launch was held at Local Sustainable Living at Maradu, Kochi.
The day started with a heritage walk through the lanes and lore of Thripunithara, led by CK Balagopal Varma, exploring the hidden cultural and historical significance of everyday spaces that are quietly fading from memory. "In 2014, around 52 heritage structures over 100 years old were mapped, but today the number stands at 27," said Varma, pointing to the stark reality of heritage erosion in the erstwhile capital of the Cochin kingdom.
Heritage Walk with Balagopal Varma at Thripunithara as part of Vaayo Fest
A workshop on ‘Understanding Kathakali’ was conducted by Geetha Varma from Thripunithara Vanitha Kadhakali Sangham, which is celebrating its 50th year. This first-ever all-women Kathakali troupe had stepped into the male-dominated Kathakali art form in 1975. Through her stories and insights, she guided participants on how to connect with Kathakali’s rich expressions and narratives. The workshop focused on what a beginner should know about aspects such as hand gestures, facial expressions, and movements to enjoy the art form.
Understanding Kathakali workshop with Geetha Varma at Vaayo Fest
Photography exhibition capturing ARPO’s work, shining a spotlight on the people, places and memories, was also running in parallelly through the event. Questions of culture, its authenticity, changes, evolution and ownership were reflected upon through the curated exhibition of images.
Photography Exhibition on Kerala's diverse culture at Vaayo Fest
The festival also had the energetic presence of artist John Baby, who passionately shared his kuruthola craft with the attendees, making intricate crafts together.
Kuruthola craft making led by Artist Johnettan at Vaayo Fest
In the evening, the community came together to watch the documentary screening on various lesser-known cultural practices and celebrations of Kerala, with a focus on Irular, Mannan and Paliyar communities. An interactive session with community members and the ARPO team followed, where a lot of curious questions were discussed.
Documentary Screening and discussion at Vaayo Fest
Late evening was filled with music and live-jamming open-mic sessions where everyone came together to celebrate with their songs that reflected Kerala’s diverse culture. From tribal songs to thumbi paattu to margam kali songs, everyone shared their melodies in an act of togetherness.
Open Mic at Vaayo Fest
Vaayo Fest moves on to Nisarga ArtHub on 2nd November 2025, where the debut performance of the Earthlore Band was held. The fest is to travel across Kerala, hosting cultural experiences and discussions at various locations.
Moments from Vaayo Fest
