Kodenchery, Kozhikode: Heavy rain forced organisers to cancel the second day’s events at the Malabar River Festival 2026 on Saturday. As a result, reports that the Malabar River Festival cancelled its Day 2 programme quickly spread after the Chalippuzha River reached dangerous levels. Therefore, officials stopped all scheduled competitions to protect athletes, staff and visitors.
The river rose rapidly after continuous overnight rain. Consequently, the Fire and Rescue Services inspected the venue early in the morning. They advised organisers not to conduct the competitions. Therefore, organisers cancelled the entire day’s programme without delay.
Malabar River Festival Cancelled After Safety Review
Organisers immediately moved all athletes to safer locations. They also shifted kayaks and competition equipment away from the river. As a result, everyone remained safe despite the worsening weather.
Kodenchery Grama Panchayat President Annakkutty Devassy and Kerala Adventure Tourism CEO Binu Kuriakose confirmed the decision. They said organisers acted on the advice of the Fire and Rescue Services. Moreover, they stressed that public safety remains their highest priority.
Authorities also closed public entry to the Pulikkayam kayaking venue. In addition, they asked residents and visitors to stay away from the river and flooded areas. Officials further urged people in Kodenchery Grama Panchayat to remain alert while heavy rain continues.
If you plan to visit the championship, read our Malabar River Festival 2026 travel guide for the latest event updates, travel tips and accommodation information.
Heavy Rain Disrupts Festival Schedule
The championship opened successfully on Friday with exciting white-water kayaking races. Athletes from India and abroad competed in the Intermediate Extreme Slalom events. Spectators also gathered along the Chalippuzha River to watch the opening competitions.
However, weather conditions changed overnight. Heavy rainfall increased the river’s flow and created unsafe conditions. Therefore, organisers cancelled Saturday’s programme before the first event began.
Saturday’s schedule included the Indian National Ranking Tournament, one of the festival’s most important competitions. Several other kayaking events were also scheduled from 9.30 am onwards. Unfortunately, organisers could not conduct any of them because of the dangerous river conditions.
The evening cultural conference also faced disruption. Kerala Public Works Minister P. K. Basheer was scheduled to inaugurate the programme. However, organisers will announce further updates after reviewing the weather situation.
Flooding Hits Kozhikode High Ranges
Heavy rain affected several high-range areas across Kozhikode district. Rivers overflowed and flooded many low-lying places. Consequently, authorities closed several popular tourist destinations.
Officials also restricted travel to many high-range areas. Floodwater covered several roads and slowed traffic. Meanwhile, authorities reported damage to roads and buildings in Thamarassery and Thiruvambady.
At Engapuzha, floodwater partially submerged a section of the National Highway. Therefore, traffic police diverted vehicles through alternative routes to ensure safer travel.
Meanwhile, officials closely monitored Vilangad, where a deadly landslide occurred in 2024. As a precaution, they shifted several families to safer locations before conditions worsened.
Travellers planning a trip to the region can also read our Thusharagiri Waterfalls travel guide before visiting the area during the monsoon season.
Safety Remains the Top Priority
Authorities have advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel until the weather improves. They also requested everyone to follow official safety instructions. Furthermore, they warned people to stay away from rivers, streams and waterlogged areas.
The Malabar River Festival cancelled its Day 2 programme because organisers placed safety above everything else. Officials will continue monitoring the weather and river conditions before announcing updates on the remaining competitions.
