The International Museum Day 2026 celebration was organized by the Ethnological Museum, KIRTADS on 18 May 2026 at the Lecture Hall, KIRTADS Campus, Chevayur, Kozhikode. The programme was conducted in observance of International Museum Day, with the global theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World.”

The event highlighted the important role of museums in promoting cultural understanding, preserving heritage, and fostering social cohesion. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. S. Bindu, Director, KIRTADS, and featured a keynote address by Dr. Vinil Paul, Assistant Professor, Fatima Mata College, Kollam.

The celebration brought together students, researchers, museum professionals, and members of the public to discuss the significance of museums as institutions of learning, cultural preservation, and community engagement. Special emphasis was placed on the role of ethnological museums in documenting and showcasing the diverse cultural traditions, knowledge systems, and heritage of indigenous and marginalized communities.

The programme successfully enhanced public awareness about the importance of museums in preserving cultural identity and promoting intercultural dialogue, while reaffirming the commitment of KIRTADS towards heritage conservation and cultural education.