02/11/2024
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ABOUT US
About Hortus
Malayala Manorama, a cornerstone of Kerala’s media and literary heritage, presents HORTUS, a festival that cultivates a vibrant space for the exploration of diverse artistic expressions. Inspired by the 17th-century botanical masterpiece, Hortus Malabaricus, the festival envisions a fertile ground – a garden of creativity – where the world’s rich tapestry of literature, music, and the arts comes alive.
Hortus takes root in the culturally rich city of Kozhikode (Kerala) during the first week of November 2024. Recently designated as the ‘City of Literature’ by UNESCO, Kozhikode offers the perfect setting for this multidisciplinary festival, with a focus on literature and books.
Spread across more than eight venues at the Kozhikode beach, the festival will host around 400 writers, speakers and artists from across the country and abroad. Highlights include a curated book fair with over three lakh books, a visual art exhibition presented by the Kochi Biennale Foundation, culinary art experiences, immersive sessions for kids and adults, musical, theatre, stand-up comedy and poetry performances and board game sessions.
About Malayala Manorama
For over 136 years, the Malayala Manorama Group has been a cornerstone of Indian media. Through diverse media offerings and unwavering journalistic values, we have shaped public discourse and enriched the cultural tapestry of the nation. Our commitment extends beyond news, with a deep passion for nurturing the arts, literature and education.
This passion finds its roots in Bhashaposhini, Kerala’s first literary magazine, launched in 1892 by our founder, Sri. Kandathil Varghese Mappillai. Bhashaposhini, meaning ‘nourisher of the language’, exemplifies our dedication to fostering artistic expression.
Hortus embodies this legacy. Inspired by the rich tradition, we strive to create enriching experiences that celebrate arts, literature and culture. Through Hortus, we invite you to explore, engage and be inspired by the vibrant creative landscape we cultivate with you.
JAYANT MAMMEN MATHEW
EXECUTIVE EDITOR MALAYALA MANORAMA
We are delighted to announce the inaugural edition of Manorama Hortus: A Celebration of Art & Literature, a vibrant festival to be held at the Kozhikode beach from November 1 to 3, 2024.
A historic city, Kozhikode has recently been designated the City of Literature by UNESCO and is thus a perfect setting for this lively festival.
Malayala Manorama has for more than a century influenced literary and artistic sensibilities in Kerala. Its literary magazine Bhashaposhini, launched in 1892, continues to command respect among discerning readers.
Over the course of three days, nearly 400 national and international writers and artists will engage in more than 130 sessions.
The Aksharaprayanam, journey of alphabets, has already sparked interest in every major town and is leading the way to the festival venue.
Manorama Hortus is a treat for everyone. Experiences and activities that that will enrich us: book launches, author interaction, conceptual art by Kerala artists, Korean cooking studio, board games, quiz and musical performances.
We look forward to welcoming you to enjoy these immersive experiences at the historic Kozhikode beach.
N S MADHAVAN
FESTIVAL DIRECTOR'S NOTE
Welcome to Hortus, an immersive festival set against the vastness of the sea. This festival invites visitors to reflect on the delicate balance between human expression and the surroundings. Giant backdrop of the sea itself is a telling image of thematic strands that we had striven to weave around in the making of Hortus.
Where do oceans acquire such grandeur? This celebrated couplet by the 18th century Chinese philosopher and politician, Lin Zexu, probably has the answer:
“The sea accepts the waters of a hundred rivers, Its tolerance results in its grandeur.”
By welcoming rivers from all directions the sea doesn’t diminish. At Hortus, we have tried to keep an open door to different, at times conflicting, perspectives, ideas and experiences.