Malabar River Festival Shortened to Three Days

Quick Summary

• The 11th Malabar River Festival, initially scheduled for July 24, 2025, has been postponed to July 25 and will be held in a low-key manner without festivities in tribute to former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, who passed away on July 21.
• Events:

– Extreme slalom competitions (July 25-26 at pulikkayam).- Downriver race and super finals (July 27 at Pulloorampara).

• Cultural programmes and the festival procession have been canceled.
• Over ten foreign kayakers from countries such as Russia, New Zealand, the US, chile, Belgium, and Italy are participating. Prominent names include Manu Wackernagel (previous “Rapid Raja”), Anton Sveshnikov, Ryan O’Connor, Millie Chamberlain among others.
• Several national-level kayakers-amateurs and professionals-are also competing.
• Pre-festival events like ankling, painting competitions, farm tours among others were already conducted in various panchayats across Kozhikode district.
• Organizers:

– Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society
– Kozhikode District Tourism Promotion Council
– Technical support provided by Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The decision to scale down the normally vibrant malabar River Festival highlights the region’s reverence for prominent public figures like V.S. Achuthanandan. Despite this adjustment in tone-a sensitive choice-the continuation of key athletic events ensures that tourism-driven initiatives remain uninterrupted while attracting international participation. This year’s strong lineup of foreign competitors emphasizes Kerala’s growing prominence as a global hub for water adventure sports.

By successfully blending local engagement through pre-events with international exposure via high-profile contests like extreme slaloms and downriver races along natural river rapids at Chalippuzha and Iruvazhinji rivers-the festival delivers on both community involvement and global branding objectives for Kerala tourism.

Read more: The Hindu