Soorya Festival 2026–27 in Trivandrum
The Soorya Festival is Thiruvananthapuram's longest-running arts season: a 111-day sequence of classical dance, music, theatre, film, talks and exhibitions that traditionally opens on 1 October and carries on into the third week of January. It was founded in 1977 by Soorya Krishnamoorthy, whose Soorya Stage and Film Society still runs it, and it is often described as the biggest arts and cultural event in Kerala. The festival moves in segments rather than as one programme. A dance and music festival with leading Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Kathak dancers and Carnatic and Hindustani musicians comes first, followed across the weeks by film screenings, a theatre festival, lecture series and painting and photography shows. Programmes are held in halls in the city centre, including Tagore Theatre in Vazhuthacaud and the society's own Ganesham theatre in Thycaud. Many evenings are free, though some are reserved for the society's members or need passes collected in advance. We could not confirm the day-by-day 2026–27 schedule from an official source at the time of writing, and Soorya normally announces each segment shortly before it begins. This page gathers Soorya programmes along with other dance, music and theatre listings in the city as they are published.
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Good to know
- Check whether an evening is open to all or members-only before you travel; passes for popular dancers are usually given out a few days ahead.
- Performances start on time in the early evening, and latecomers are seated only between items.
- Tagore Theatre and Ganesham are about a kilometre apart in Vazhuthacaud and Thycaud; both are a short auto ride from Thampanoor.
- October and November are thunderstorm months in Thiruvananthapuram. Carry an umbrella for the walk back to the bus stop.
- Photography and recording are normally not allowed during performances.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Soorya Festival?
It runs for 111 days each year, traditionally opening on 1 October and ending in the third week of January. Confirm the dates of individual programmes with the organisers, as the 2026–27 schedule was not available from an official source when this page was written.
Is the Soorya Festival free?
Many programmes are free, but some are for members of the Soorya society or need passes. Check each listing.
Where is the Soorya Festival held?
In halls in central Thiruvananthapuram, including Tagore Theatre in Vazhuthacaud and the Ganesham theatre in Thycaud.
Who started the Soorya Festival?
Soorya Krishnamoorthy founded it in 1977, and his Soorya Stage and Film Society organises it.
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