Overview
- Tourism Minister P C Vishnunadh formally launched the initiative on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, positioning it as a shift from passive sightseeing to immersive cultural participation.
- Visitors will be able to take part in hands-on activities such as creating an Athapookalam, learning to prepare an authentic Onam meal, and receiving basic training in traditional art forms from local artists.
- The tourism department will develop a distinct cultural brand for each district and commit to scientifically documenting heritage arts for wider access on digital platforms.
- Kerala is rolling out the programme around an expanded Onam Week and the Nishagandhi festival, which feature more than 340 programmes at about 35 venues, roughly 3,000 local artists, over 8,000 state performers, and about 160 visiting artists from 10 other states.
- The plan builds on record tourist arrivals in 2025 and aims to improve seasonal spread and economic returns by channeling visitor spending toward artists, cooks, guides, and small local businesses, which could reduce pressure on major sites and raise local incomes.