‘The idea is to make everyone dance’: DJ Stalvart John on The Great Varkala Flea 2025

The Great Varkala Flea is set to make its debut as a three-day festival on the cliffs of South Varkala from December 26 to 28, 2025. Curated by Trip is Life in partnership with Kerala Tourism and the Kerala Arts and Crafts Village, the festival is designed as an intimate, slow-living celebration that brings together music, wellness, food, art and community in a mindful, alcohol-free setting overlooking the Arabian Sea.

In a conversation with Mathrubhumi, festival curator Joven Roy and music artist Stalvart John shared details about the debut edition of The Great Varkala Flea.

Q: We hear the biggest flea market is coming to Varkala. What is it all about?

Joven Roy: The Great Varkala Flea is not a typical large-scale flea festival. We are curating a micro festival that focuses on slow living, music, food, wellness and community. Unlike loud and crowded flea celebrations, this is an intimate gathering with around 400–500 people, set against the cliffs of Varkala. It is about shared joy, meaningful experiences and Kerala’s coastal spirit.

Q: You are the festival director. How did the idea of a micro flea festival come about, and how is it different?

Joven Roy: We have been in Varkala for years, and based on our experiences and feedback from regular visitors, we always wanted to do something different from usual festivals. Most flea festivals are very big and wild. This is a conscious, intimate format. It is curated by Trip is Life, in partnership with Kerala Tourism and the Kerala Arts and Crafts Village, with a strong focus on culture, wellness and music rather than scale.

Q: What can visitors expect from the festival?

Joven Roy: Music is the main attraction. There will be live performances and a mix of electronic DJs and live acts, bringing together artists connected to Kerala, Varkala and musicians from other parts of India and the world. Alongside music, there will be wellness experiences such as surfing, community yoga, kalari, ayurveda and other movement-based sessions that naturally align with Varkala’s vibe.

Q: So for someone interested in slow living, music and movement, is this the right festival?

Joven Roy: Absolutely. This festival is designed exactly for people who want to experience music, wellness and community in a mindful and relaxed way.

Q: Stalvart John, you are performing at The Great Varkala Flea. What kind of energy can the audience expect from you?

Stalvart John: I will be playing disco and house music. The energy will be tropical, happy and uplifting. The idea is to make everyone dance, but in a way that fits the relaxed and joyful spirit of the festival.

Q: Your music is usually associated with high-energy club settings. How will this performance be different?

Stalvart John: This will be more of an evening sound that suits Kerala and the flea festival atmosphere. It won’t be loud or chaotic. It will be a soulful, disco-inspired set with a warm and positive feel.

Q: When will you be performing during the three-day festival?

Stalvart John: Different artists will perform each day. I will be performing on Saturday, 27 December 2025. I am also closing the festival, so it will end with a bit of upbeat energy.

Q: Joven, why was Varkala chosen as the location for this festival?

Joven Roy: When we looked at Kerala, we noticed that different festivals happen in different regions, but destination-focused festivals are still limited. Varkala already has a strong café, wellness and tourism culture, and December is peak season here. With the support we received locally, Varkala felt like the perfect place for this format.

Q: There is a shift in India towards mindful and slow experiences instead of over-commercialised events. What is your view on this?

Stalvart John: Electronic music and nightlife culture in India are still relatively young. The scene is evolving, and people are becoming more conscious about the kind of experiences they want. It may not be perfect yet, but it is definitely moving in a positive direction.

Joven Roy: I completely agree. India has many festivals and artists, but Kerala still lacks well-known destination-focused festivals. This is an attempt to showcase Varkala in a new way and build something meaningful around the place itself.

Q: Do you feel there are limited festival and leisure options in Kerala?

Stalvart John: There are limited public spaces and experiences, especially for young people and adults. Entertainment is often restricted to movies, malls or parks. However, there is now a growing effort, including from the government, to create more cultural spaces. Initially, there may be resistance to change, but over time people will see the positive impact.

Q: Many youngsters attend such festivals. Why are these experiences important?

Stalvart John: Festivals offer experiences similar to travelling. You meet people from different places and cultures, which helps broaden perspectives and encourages cultural exchange.

Joven Roy: That is what we already see in Varkala, with people coming from across India and the world. Festivals like this make those interactions even more meaningful.

Q: Are there any surprises planned for the festival?

Joven Roy: That is something people will have to come and experience themselves. We have curated exclusive elements for this festival, and everyone is welcome to join.

With its focus on slow living, music, wellness and community, The Great Varkala Flea offers a curated cultural experience rooted in Varkala’s coastal identity. The three-day micro festival will be held from December 26 to 28, 2025, at Canvas by Trip is Life, South Cliff, Varkala. General festival passes are priced at ₹1,999 and allow entry across all three days, while select wellness and activity sessions are available through separate tickets. Tickets are currently available for booking on the Sort My Scene platform.