Tourism News
Wayanad Vibes Festival
Wayanad Vibes Festival Celebrated Tribal Heritage and Music of Wayanad
Wayanad’s tribal heritage and artistic vibrancy took centre stage at the ‘Wayanad Vibes’ festival, organised by the Department of Tourism on April 27 at Valliyoorkkavu Ground, Mananthavady. The event served as a platform to celebrate the district’s rich culture and promote its immense tourism potential before a packed crowd.
Shri P. A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister, Kerala Tourism, inaugurated the mega musical and cultural evening, noting that 'Wayanad Vibes' would be held annually as part of Kerala’s efforts to position Wayanad as a premier destination of natural beauty and cultural diversity. Shri O.R. Kelu, Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes, presided over the function.
In his address, Shri Riyas highlighted that Wayanad had achieved a record number of tourist arrivals last year and reiterated the government’s commitment to special marketing campaigns and projects aimed at showcasing the district’s unique offerings. He also pointed out that the government's initiatives to renovate rest houses across Kerala had generated an additional Rs.25 crore through online bookings.
The event featured a vibrant lineup of performances. The indigenous music group ‘Thudithalam’, comprising local youth, teachers, and social activists, enthralled the audience with traditional tribal rhythms. Later, legendary percussionists Sivamani and Stephen Devassy, along with playback singers Haricharan and Sikha Prabhakaran, led captivating musical performances. The evening also featured a scintillating display by 25 Singarimelam drummers from Attam Kalavedi.
Minister Riyas felicitated Sivamani and Stephen Devassy during the ceremony, acknowledging their contributions to the music world. The festival was directed by noted filmmaker T.K. Rajeev Kumar.
Officials including Smt C.K. Ratnavalli, Chairperson, Mananthavady Municipality; Shri K.C. Sunilkumar, Councillor; Shri Justin Baby, President, Block Panchayat; Smt D.R. Meghasree, District Collector, Wayanad; and Shri D. Girish Kumar, Joint Director of Tourism for Kozhikode Region, attended the event.
‘Wayanad Vibes’ successfully captured the spirit of the district, blending tribal heritage with contemporary music, and promised a vibrant future for cultural tourism in the region.
