Gramam - Kerala Village Fair

The Kerala Village Fair also known as Gramam is a 10-day long celebration of Kerala's traditional heritage, culture and customs. In Malayalam, Gramam means village. The village fair, held every year in the month of January, is the nostalgic yet a realistic recreation of a bygone era of rustic village on the golden sands of the renowned Kovalam Beach. The fair successfully brings alive the age-old customs and tradition of Kerala.

Almost half a century old ambiance of a Kerala village is set up, complete with the traditional nalukettu (the quadrangular upper class house with a central open courtyard), astrologers, artisans, folk dances and musicians, to enlighten the visitors with Kerala's rich cultural heritage. The interiors of the Nalukettu houses are decorated with some of the most exquisite antiques. On the outside, one can see eye-catching floral decoration, Pookalam, adorning the courtyard.

During this colorful event, the visitors to the region can expect a warm welcome and plenty of activities, exhibitions and attractions including live music, dancing and a large market. The premises of the traditional nalukettu become the venue of the classical art form performances. These performances are usually staged in the evenings at the open-air auditoriums. Here the visitors can get a glimpse of Kerala’s typical classical dances like Kathakali and Mohiniyattom, the traditional and folk dances like Oppana and even the martial art forms like Kalaripayattu. Other ritualistic folk arts like Theyyam, Pulikali, Villupattu also keep the spectator is entertained during the 20-day fair.

Apart from the dance and music, one can go shopping for souvenirs and other ethnic objects. On display and sale are objects ranging from handmade ethnic jewelry to jewelry boxes, intricately-carved priceless furniture to beautiful paintings and musical instruments.

Venue: Eve's beach, Kovalam, about 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram
Programme: Various events
Entry Fees: Free
Getting There:
By Rail: Thiruvananthapuram central, about 14 km from Kovalam
By Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 18 km from Kovalam.
By Road: Kovalam is well connected by road
For more information: Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala Park View, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695 033, India