Soorya Music and Dance Festival

Soorya Music and Dance Festival


The Soorya classical music and dance festival is conducted for ten days every year in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala State. It starts from 1st October and concludes on the 10th of October.

The Soorya classical music and dance festival is conducted for ten days every year in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala State. It starts from 1st October and concludes on the 10th of October.

The festival is organized by Soorya Stage and Film Society, one of the largest cultural societies in Asia. Founded by Soorya Krishnamoorthy, the society organises many programs including Dance and Music festivals, film festivals, theatre, painting, photography, lectures and talks, sound and light shows etc. The Dance and Music festival presents different forms of dance like Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Bharathanatyam,Kathakali, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam as well as classical music renditions, instrumental music, jugal bandhi's etc by popular artists.

Renowned dancers and musicians from all over India participate in this festival. Dancers such as Padma Subramaniam, Alarmel Valli, Chitra Viswesvaran, Lakshmi Gopalaswami, Rajendra-Nirupama and musicians such as Ustad's Allah Rakha, Amjad Ali Khan, Bismillah Khan, Zakir Husain, Balamuralikrishna, Bhimsen Joshi  are a few among the famous artistes who have performed here. 

Another dance and music festival 'Parampara' is also held by Soorya in November every year to spot young talents. This festival is also held in Thiruvananthapuram, where artists pay tribute to their Gurus.  

Swathi Sangeetholsavam

Swathi Sangeetholsavam


Swathi Sangeetholsavam, a week long music festival, is held annually from January 6 to 12 at the 'Kuthira Malika' palace complex at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

Swathi Sangeetholsavam, a week long music festival, is held annually from January 6 to 12 at the 'Kuthira Malika' palace complex at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.

The Sangeetholsavam is held in tribute to Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, who ruled the state of Travancore from 1813- 1846 and was a patron of arts and a musician himself. His musical compositions including both Carnatic and Hindustani, are believed to number over four hundred. Swati Thirunal's court was also home to many great musicians and artistes of the period.

The festival held at the front courtyard of the majestic Kuthiramalika palace, built by Swati Thirunal is organised by H.H.Sir Rama Varma Maharaja of Travancore Trust. The festival features renditions by both Carnatic and Hindustani musicians including compositions of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma. Eminent musicians like, Ustad Bismilla Khan Gangu Bai Hangal,Dr.M.Balamurali Krishna, D.K.Pattammal etc have performed in the festival. 

Nishangandhi Dance Festival

Nishangandhi Dance Festival

Nishangandhi Dance Festival

Nishangandhi Dance Festival


Nishangandhi Dance Festival is conducted at the Nishagandhi open air auditorium in Kanakakunnu Palace. The main events performed here are Bharathanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattom and Oddissi.


  Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala state, located in the southern most region of India is an excellent base to explore the interiors of Kerala. The Kanakakunnu Palace located in the heart of the city stages many cultural meets and programmes. The Nishagandhi open-air theatre in the palace compound holds the Nishagandhi dance festival every year in January. Renowned dancers will perform Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, modern ballet and other folk forms. Artist and connoisseurs of dance from all over India come to enjoy this cultural treat. The festival organised by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation is free and is usually accompanied with vocal, instrumental or fusion music. The Festival also showcases the traditional handicrafts of Kerala and the cuisines of India in the adjacent Sooryakanthi Fair Ground, also within the palace grounds. The crafts show exhibits souvenirs from Kerala made of bamboo, cane, clay, coconut products etc and the   food festival presents cookery shows by famous personalities. The dance and music festival gives a fascinating glimpse of India's rich cultural heritage.