The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor, Kochi, is currently a vibrant hub of creativity and tradition, hosting the 22nd edition of the Kerala Bamboo Fest. Visitors are greeted by an impressive array of flower vases, pots, flutes, baskets, trays, lampshades, and intricate bamboo wall decor. This festival celebrates the versatility of bamboo, transforming it into both utilitarian objects and stunning pieces of art.
A Showcase of Craftsmanship and Innovation
The festival, organized by the Kerala State Bamboo Mission for the department of industries and commerce, presents hundreds of handcrafted pieces. The exhibits beautifully bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. While one can find classic items like baskets, winnowing trays, and mats, there is also a strong presence of sleek, contemporary designs and modern applications.
Artisans from the Wayanad and Idukki districts are behind most of the displayed items. Their skill is evident in the distinctive finishing styles and innovative colour combinations that make each piece stand out. A particularly captivating display involves bamboo shavings—the shredded outer layer of the stem—which are dyed in artistic hues and crafted into attractive floral designs, drawing significant buyer interest.
Diverse Stalls and Unique Attractions
With around 200 stalls, the festival offers an incredible diversity of products. The forest department runs stalls featuring products sourced directly from tribal communities, adding a layer of cultural richness. The festival also has a national flavour, with participation from states including Telangana, Assam, Nagaland, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Tripura.
An international guest, Bhutan, has a dedicated stall showcasing uniquely designed hats, bags, purses, and accessories. Beyond decor, the festival caters to all senses. A stall dedicated to musical instruments fills the air with melodies from bamboo flutes, played live among the visitors. For food enthusiasts, an array of delicacies made from bamboo rice, such as unniyappam, kuzhalappam, and biscuits, are a major draw.
More Than a Shopping Experience
The Kerala Bamboo Fest is not merely a marketplace; it is an immersive cultural and educational experience. The event offers live classes and cultural programmes that explain the history and journey of various bamboo products, from raw material to finished craft. Familiar toys, curios, household items, soaps, honey, and coffee powder remain perennial favourites among the attractions.
For those looking to take a piece of the fest home, the options are endless: bags, bamboo seedlings, pens, wall-mounted curios, a variety of jewellery, and countless other utility products. The festival is open from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM daily until December 31, and from 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM on January 1. Entry is completely free for all visitors.
