Kozhikode: Ahead of the much-awaited Malabar River Festival 2026, artists and nature enthusiasts came together at the picturesque Thusharagiri to celebrate the spirit of adventure through art. The unique live painting event, titled ‘Kayaking Brush Strokes’, added a colourful dimension to the promotional campaign for Asia’s premier white-water kayaking championship.
Kodenchery Grama Panchayat, DTPC Honey Rock Resort, Thusharagiri, and the Kozhikode District Committee of the Kerala Chitrakala Parishath jointly organised the programme. The initiative aimed to blend art, tourism and adventure sports while creating awareness about the upcoming Malabar River Festival. Visitors planning to experience the championship can also explore our complete Malabar River Festival 2026 travel guide for event schedules, travel tips, accommodation options and everything they need to know before visiting.
Artists Bring the Spirit of Adventure to Life
Around 40 artists from different parts of Kozhikode district participated in the live painting session, transforming blank canvases into vibrant works of art inspired by the natural beauty of Thusharagiri, Kerala’s rivers, forests and the excitement of white-water kayaking. Visitors and tourists gathered to watch the artists at work, making the event an engaging cultural attraction ahead of the international championship.
The colourful artworks reflected the adventurous spirit of the Malabar River Festival while showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of Thusharagiri and the Western Ghats. Travellers planning a visit can also read our complete guide to Thusharagiri Waterfalls to discover why it is one of Kerala’s most popular eco-tourism destinations. Organisers designed the programme to highlight the region’s tourism potential and strengthen public engagement ahead of the four-day kayaking festival.
Officials Inaugurate the Promotional Event
The inaugural function was presided over by Kodenchery Grama Panchayat President Annakkutty Devassia, while Kozhikode District Panchayat President Milly Mohan officially inaugurated the event.
Among those who attended were Standing Committee Chairpersons Vincent Vadakkemuriyil, Riyanas Subair and Mini Sunny, along with Kerala Chitrakala Parishath Kozhikode District President C. K. Shaburaj, Secretary Shaju Niravath, Thusharagiri Forest Protection Committee President Baby Kottappally, Benito Chacko, Shelly Mathew Kunnel, Roy Karathara and several other public representatives and organisers.
Speakers at the event noted that the Malabar River Festival is more than a sporting competition. Over the years, it has evolved into a major platform for promoting Kerala’s adventure tourism while introducing the scenic beauty of the Malabar region to national and international audiences. They added that programmes such as ‘Kayaking Brush Strokes’ help connect local communities, artists and visitors with the festival, making it a celebration of culture as well as sport.
Malabar River Festival 2026 Begins on July 30
The 12th edition of the Malabar River Festival will be held from July 30 to August 2 at Pulikkayam, Kodenchery, attracting leading white-water kayakers from India and abroad. This year’s edition is particularly significant as it will also host the Indian Nationals Ranking Tournament, offering Indian athletes an important opportunity to qualify for the National Team training camp.
As excitement builds for the championship, the colourful art event at Thusharagiri has successfully set the tone for the festival, bringing together creativity, nature and adventure in one memorable celebration while inviting more visitors to experience one of Kerala’s biggest adventure tourism events.
