Kochi is currently hosting the much-anticipated International Calligraphy Festival 2025 at Ernakulam’s Durbar Hall, running from October 2 to 5. Organised jointly by the KaChaTaThaPa Foundation and the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, and inaugurated by MP Hibi Eden, the festival has attracted 30 renowned calligraphers from across India and around the world.

A highlight of the festival is the unique Kali-fashion show, featuring students from the Kerala Institute of Design, Kollam campus. The students graced the runway dressed in garments adorned with intricate calligraphy designs on traditional Khadi fabric, paying tribute to Gandhiji on Gandhi Jayanti. This fusion of art and fashion has captivated attendees, showcasing the creative potential of calligraphy beyond conventional canvases.

The event includes a diverse range of activities such as workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions, live demonstrations and a special pen show featuring writing instruments valued between ₹50 and ₹5 lakh. Among the esteemed guests are globally recognised artists like Hebrew calligrapher Michel D Anasha, Asian Calligraphy Association vice-president Kim Jin-Young from South Korea, and Brody Newey-Schwandt from the UK.

Renowned Indian calligraphers such as Achyuth Palav, Uday Kumar, Santhosh Ksheersagar, and IIT Mumbai professor G V Sreekumar have also graced the occasion. The festival not only celebrates the rich tapestry of scripts — including Malayalam, Devanagari, Tamil, English, Hindi, Arabic, Urdu, Hebrew, Iranian and Korean — but also cements Kerala’s growing prominence on the global calligraphy stage.

In addition to cultural showcases, the festival features musical evenings by T M Krishna and a Thayambaka performance led by Krishnadas and his troupe, enriching the artistic experience. The event also honours literary legend G Vivekanandan with the annual Lipi Kala Puraskaram, and awards promising calligraphers under 30 with cash prizes and certificates.

Media partner Mathrubhumi continues to provide extensive coverage, further amplifying the festival’s reach and impact. Interested participants can register online at https://kachatathapa.com.