The International Folk Festival was jointly organized by KIRTADS and the Kerala Folklore Academy from 05 to 09 February 2026 at the Police Parade Ground, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram. The five-day festival served as a vibrant platform for showcasing the rich cultural heritage, traditional knowledge systems, and artistic expressions of indigenous and folk communities from Kerala and various other states of India.

A major attraction of the festival was the exhibition and sale of tribal and folk handicrafts, handloom products, traditional artifacts, and ethnic food items. The event provided artisans and community groups with an opportunity to exhibit their skills, promote traditional livelihoods, and interact directly with visitors.

The festival also featured a series of captivating performances by tribal and folk artists representing diverse cultural traditions. Various indigenous dance forms, music performances, ritual arts, and folk presentations highlighted the cultural diversity and living heritage of tribal communities. Artists from different states participated in the festival, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding among communities.

The event attracted a large number of visitors, including students, researchers, tourists, cultural enthusiasts, and members of tribal communities. The festival successfully promoted awareness about tribal culture, encouraged the preservation of traditional art forms, and strengthened efforts towards cultural documentation and heritage conservation.

The International Folk Festival 2026 emerged as a significant cultural event, celebrating India’s rich folk and tribal traditions while providing a meaningful platform for cultural exchange, community participation, and sustainable livelihood promotion.