Kerala's International Book Festival Attracts Massive Crowds in Thiruvananthapuram
The fourth edition of the international book festival in Kerala concluded with resounding success. Organized by the Kerala legislative assembly from January 7th, the event wrapped up on Tuesday, drawing widespread acclaim.
Speaker A N Shamseer announced the festival's achievements with great enthusiasm. He highlighted the excellent public participation, strong media cooperation, and efficient organization by legislative staff as key factors in creating a unique experience for all attendees.
Record-Breaking Participation and Diverse Events
Over two lakh people participated in the book festival, making it one of the most attended literary events in the region. The festival featured an impressive 407 events across multiple segments, ensuring something for every literary enthusiast.
These segments included KLIBF Talks, KLIBF Dialogues, Meet the Author sessions, Students' Corner activities, panel discussions, and numerous book launches. The diversity of programming kept visitors engaged throughout the seven-day event.
Literary Stars and Publishing Presence
A total of 173 guests graced the festival with their presence. This distinguished group included both national and international literary figures who participated in various literary events, sharing their insights and engaging with readers.
For publishing professionals, the festival provided substantial opportunities. Organizers set up 282 book stalls representing 170 different publishers, creating a vibrant marketplace for books and literary discussions.
Cultural Highlights and Traditional Performances
The Theyya-thara, a specially prepared area within the legislative complex, became one of the festival's major attractions. Over five days, seven Theyyam performances captivated audiences, drawing thousands of visitors daily.
Foreign attendees joined local visitors in witnessing and learning about Theyyam, a ritual art form unique to North Kerala. The performances provided cultural depth to the literary-focused event.
Special Tributes and Inclusive Features
A special venue titled 'Sreeni Kathaparayumpol' paid tribute to Sreenivasan, recognizing his unparalleled talent in Malayalam cinema. This dedication celebrated the intersection of literature and film in Kerala's cultural landscape.
The festival also demonstrated strong commitment to accessibility. Organizers introduced a special stall featuring equipment for visually impaired visitors, ensuring broader participation in literary activities.
Student Engagement and Culinary Experiences
The specially arranged Students' Corner proved immensely popular, attracting thousands of students from various educational institutions. This space provided valuable opportunities for student talents to showcase their abilities.
Many students with disabilities participated actively in festival programs. Schools in and around Thiruvananthapuram utilized offerings like the City Ride program to enhance student engagement with the event.
Food enthusiasts enjoyed traditional culinary tastes at 16 different food courts set up throughout the festival grounds. These offerings complemented the literary and cultural experiences available to visitors.
Media Collaboration and Broad Participation
Ten media organizations collaborated to create a mega show over the seven-day period, attracting large numbers of art enthusiasts. The festival's promotional activities relied entirely on online platforms and digital technologies, demonstrating modern approaches to event marketing.
Numerous prominent figures from social, cultural, and literary fields participated in the festival, adding depth and prestige to the proceedings. Their involvement helped create meaningful dialogues and memorable experiences for all attendees.
The Kerala legislative assembly's successful organization of this international book festival reinforces Thiruvananthapuram's growing reputation as a cultural and literary hub in South India.
