Kollam, October 10, 2026: The first Ashtamudi Water Gate Music Festival is bringing a vibrant mix of music, cinema and cultural experiences to Kollam, highlighting the close connection between the region's waterways, cultural heritage and everyday life. The five-day festival, which began on October 7, is being held at the Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Complex in Asramam and will conclude on October 11.

Organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs as part of the Kerala Government's 100-day action programme, the festival aims to create a distinctive cultural experience inspired by the natural landscape of Ashtamudi Lake. The event also seeks to revitalise the cultural complex as an active public venue for artistic performances and community activities.

Music Festival Celebrates Diverse Musical Traditions

The festival's theme, Musical Ecology – Water, explores the relationship between water, human life, music and culture. Performances bring together musical traditions and contemporary sounds from different parts of India, offering audiences a varied cultural programme.

The festival's final two music programmes feature Shanka Tribe on October 10 and Indian Ocean on October 11. The performances are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. each evening.

Music-Themed Film Screenings Add to the Programme

Alongside the live performances, the festival includes screenings of films related to music, musicians and cultural expression, organised with the participation of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.

The film programme provides an additional attraction for visitors interested in cinema and the relationship between music and society. On October 10, the scheduled screenings include Journey into Sato Tadao and Autumn Sonata.

Entry to the music programmes is free, subject to the festival's pass arrangements.

Festival Creates a New Cultural Attraction for Kollam

Ashtamudi Lake is one of Kerala's important backwater destinations, known for its network of waterways, islands and lakeside settlements. The music festival adds a cultural dimension to the region's tourism appeal, complementing its natural landscapes and traditional backwater experiences.

The event also offers an opportunity to promote Kollam as a destination for cultural tourism, encouraging visitors to combine participation in public events with sightseeing and exploration of the surrounding region.

By bringing music, cinema and local heritage together, the Ashtamudi Water Gate Music Festival highlights the potential of cultural events to strengthen tourism and create more opportunities for public engagement with Kerala's artistic traditions.

Venue: Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Complex, Asramam, Kollam
Festival dates: October 7–11, 2026
Music performances: 7 p.m. daily
Entry: Free, subject to pass arrangements