Kozhikode’s Artistic Heritage: A Living Canvas of Murals and Cultural Meetups

Kozhikode, known as a cultural melting pot on Kerala’s Malabar coast, is a vibrant hub where heritage and contemporary art thrive in harmony. The city’s rich history is woven into its artistic expressions, from centuries-old murals and traditional temple arts to modern galleries and innovative cultural spaces. Gujarati Street, for instance, has transformed into a creative sanctuary, hosting art shows, performances, and workshops that attract locals and global artists alike. This unique blend of old-world charm and modern artistic endeavors fosters a deep sense of community belonging and cultural exchange, making Kozhikode a dynamic landscape for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts. Whether through heritage mural meetups, literary festivals, or interactive art exhibitions, Kozhikode continues to nurture creativity and celebrate its diverse cultural identity, inviting everyone to explore, engage, and be inspired.

Heritage Murals and Mega Mural Meetups

• The Mega Murals Heritage Meetup, led by artist Sasi Edavarad and his team, offers participants direct interaction with mural practitioners, allowing visitors to witness the creation and restoration of large-scale heritage murals in settings like Zamorins’ Makave Palace.​

• Heritage walk-and-studio tours are organized, offering visits to iconic mural sites such as the largest mural at GVHSS, Nadakkave, while providing hands-on experiences and conversations with local artists.​

Art Exhibitions and Festivals

• The Kerala Lalithakala Akademi Art Gallery in Kozhikode regularly hosts exhibitions; notable among them is the Exhibition of Puppets (Dec 5–9, 2025) which serve as networking platforms for artists, students, and art lovers.

• Traditional Kerala murals, historical artifacts, and acclaimed works by masters such as Raja Ravi Varma can be admired at both public exhibitions and institutional venues like the Pazhassi Raja Museum, further establishing the city’s reputation in the art world.

Cultural Meetups and Literary Events

• The Kerala Literature Festival (Jan 23–26, 2025), Asia’s largest, will return to Kozhikode Beach, attracting artists, writers, and thinkers, and providing networking spaces for the exchange between literature and visual arts. Special sessions on the festival’s intersection with startups in art and design are also featured.​

• Social media pages and meetup groups actively organize collaboration sessions, discussions, and art walks for members of the creative community, ensuring ongoing engagement and cultural exchange.​

Community Bonding and Workshops

• Workshops span areas like mural creation, storytelling, and art-led heritage preservation often blending generations and disciplines, and fostering a collaborative, learning-focused environment.​

• Hands-on sessions and art-themed walks not only highlight artistic heritage but strengthen community belonging by inviting both locals and tourists to engage with Kozhikode’s evolving cultural landscape.

These events keep Kozhikode’s artistic and cultural scene lively, nurturing creativity, dialogue, and pride in local heritage among residents and the wider public.

Citations:

1. https://www.meetup.com/mega-murals-heritage-meetup/
2. https://www.facebook.com/events/mankave-kozhikode/heritage-walk-studio-visit/327809724270819/
3. https://www.welcomekeralaonline.com/art-events/exhibition-puppets-kozhikode
4. https://www.airial.travel/attractions/india/kozhikode/pazhassi-raja-museum-kozhikode-btFs69AW
5. https://www.keralatourism.org/event/kerala-literature-festival/130/