The Overseas Indian Cultural Congress (OICC) Kozhikode District Committee has launched a massive four-month celebration titled “Kozhikode Fest 25-26.” Running from November 2025 through March 2026, the festival is designed to be a “mini-Kozhikode” in the heart of Bahrain. It isn’t just a series of events; it’s a cultural bridge for the Malayali expatriate community, blending the nostalgic heritage of Kerala with the modern life of the Gulf.
The Cricket Tournament: Where Passion Meets Tradition
At the center of this cultural storm is the highly anticipated One-Day Cricket Tournament. In Kozhikode, sports especially football and cricket are more than just games; they are a lifestyle. The OICC has successfully transplanted this passion to the sands of Bahrain. The tournament features eight elite teams selected from the crème de la crème of Bahrain’s Indian community. By using hard tennis balls, the organizers have stayed true to the “ground cricket” culture that many of these players grew up with in the parks and beaches of Kerala. It’s a fast-paced, high-energy format that draws massive crowds and fosters a sense of local rivalry and brotherhood. The event was thoughtfully aligned with Bahrain National Day (December 16). By hosting the tournament at the Alie ground during this period, the OICC celebrates the hospitality of their host nation while showcasing the vibrant contribution of the Indian community to Bahrain’s social fabric.
More Than Just a Game: A Holistic Celebration
The OICC Kozhikode Fest 25-26 recognizes that a community is built on more than just sports. The festival’s calendar is packed with events that touch every aspect of Malabari life.
Arts and Intellectualism: From painting competitions that allow children to express their identity to high-stakes quiz competitions, the fest keeps the intellectual spirit of Kozhikode alive.
The Strength of the Soil: No Kozhikode gathering is complete without Vadamvali (Tug-of-War). This, along with volleyball tournaments, brings a raw, physical energy to the festival that mirrors the festivals back home.
Social Responsibility: Reflecting the philanthropic nature of Malayalis, the fest includes blood donation drives, leadership camps, and seminars on expatriate welfare, ensuring the community looks after its own.
Women and Youth: Dedicated “Women’s Meets” ensure that the festival is inclusive, providing a space for the women of the diaspora to lead and participate in the cultural dialogue.
The OICC Kozhikode Fest in Bahrain is a testament to the resilience and unity of the Kozhikode people. Whether it’s the sound of a bat hitting a hard tennis ball at the Alie ground or the vibrant colors of a painting competition, the message is clear: Kozhikode is not just a city in Kerala; it is a global community bound by tradition, love, and a bit of competitive spirit.