Trivandrum is once again hosting a celebration of Indian art and culture, with performances and creative events bringing together artistes from across the country. The 49th edition of the Soorya Festival, which began on 1 October 2026, is continuing at Ganesham, Soorya Nataka Kalari, in Thycaud.
Running until 21 January 2027, the festival features more than 2,000 artistes across music, dance, theatre, cinema, painting, literature and discussions. This edition also carries special significance as it continues following the death of its founder, Soorya Krishnamoorthy.
Established in 1977 by Soorya Krishnamurthy, the Soorya Festival has grown into an extensive cultural event, reportedly regarded as the longest arts festival in the world. Its program includes classical performances, film screenings, exhibitions, workshops, lectures and literary gatherings. During the pandemic, the festival also adapted to online presentations, screening recorded programs for audiences.
The current edition is being overseen by a committee of around 15 members, with Laxman Moorthi serving as secretary. Volunteers from the Soorya Kiran group are also supporting the organisation and hosting of events. Much of this year's schedule had already been arranged by the founder, including preparations for the upcoming golden jubilee edition in 2027.
A distinctive feature of the festival remains its precise starting time: every program begins at 6.45 pm. All events in the current edition are being held at Ganesham in Thycaud.
The festival opened with a Carnatic music recital by playback singer and vocalist K. S. Harishankar. The October schedule brings together classical dance and music performances, followed by programs dedicated to women, choreography and Hindustani music.
Some of the major events and their dates include:
December brings the Soorya Art Gate, scheduled from 1 to 20 December. Around 40 painters are expected to participate in exhibitions, painting sales, live demonstrations, lectures and workshops. The month's wider program also includes group dance presentations, a short film festival, poetry events and lecture series.
Other scheduled highlights include:
Additional events include the A. P. Udayabhanu Memorial Lecture, the Cherthala Gopalan Nair Memorial Concert, children's poetry recitation and other musical and literary programs.
The 49th Soorya Festival is scheduled to conclude on 21 January 2027, with a Carnatic vocal jugalbandi featuring M. Jayachandran and Kavalam Sreekumar. The organisers are also preparing for the festival's golden jubilee celebrations next year, planned on a grand scale.
1. Where is the Soorya Festival 2026 being held?
The 49th Soorya Festival is taking place at Ganesham, Soorya Nataka Kalari, in Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram. All programs are held at this venue.
2. What are the dates of the Soorya Festival 2026?
The festival began on 1 October 2026 and is scheduled to conclude on 21 January 2027.
3. What time do Soorya Festival programs begin?
Programs are scheduled to begin at exactly 6.45 pm, a longstanding feature of the festival.
4. Which music festivals are part of Soorya 2026?
The program includes the Sindhubhairavi Carnatic Music Festival from 26 to 31 October, Jalsaghar Hindustani Chamber Concerts from 21 to 25 October and Madhu Soukumaryam from 11 to 13 November.
5. What can visitors see at the Soorya Art Gate?
Scheduled from 1 to 20 December, the Art Gate features painting exhibitions and sales, live painting, workshops, demonstrations and lectures, with around 40 painters expected to participate.
6. When does the Soorya Festival 2026 conclude?
The festival concludes on 21 January 2027 with a Carnatic vocal jugalbandi by M. Jayachandran and Kavalam Sreekumar. The golden jubilee edition is planned for 2027.
