Yaanam, Kerala’s pioneering literary travel festival, has an interesting backstory. It was first conceived in 2017 when its current curator, author Sabin Iqbal, proposed a ‘Books on the Beach’ festival for Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram, aiming to spotlight the coastal destination. However, the initial plans were unexpectedly put on hold.
Now, the Kerala Department of Tourism has revitalized this vision, naming it Yaanam, which beautifully translates to ‘travel’ in Sanskrit. Sabin Iqbal remains at the helm as curator, guiding the festival under the evocative theme: ‘Of tales, trails and travel’. This exciting event will delve into diverse facets of exploration, from travel writing and technology to the opportunities and challenges encountered on journeys. Mark your calendars: it’s happening in Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, from October 17th to 19th.
Sabin’s grand ambition for Yaanam is to see it evolve into an annual, migratory festival, gracing different locations across Kerala each year. His aim is to create a dynamic hub where writers and bloggers can connect, share, and inspire.
“Travel writing and narratives of epic journeys have always held a profound significance in literature, shaping cultural and literary development,” Sabin explains. He emphasizes how, in times before modern communication, travelers’ detailed accounts were indispensable historical records.
He adds, “Kerala’s rich tapestry of language, cuisine, and diverse perspectives has been greatly enhanced by the historical influx of merchants and travelers, fostering invaluable socio-cultural exchange.”
Beyond engaging panel discussions and practical workshops, the festival will feature immersive trails exploring Varkala’s iconic cliffside and the serene, lesser-known backwater village of Kayalpuram, all designed to showcase the beauty of the destination.
Sabin also notes that Yaanam will explore strategies for enhancing its brand, focusing on increasing visibility and refining marketing approaches.
This year’s stellar lineup includes Booker Prize 2022 winner, Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka. Other distinguished speakers will be poet Madhu Raghavendra, digital content creator Kritika Goel, esteemed journalists Binoo K John and Pallavi Aiyar, talented writers Ullekh NP and Anurag Mallick, and entrepreneur Piya Bahadur, among many others.
Attendance for the main festival sessions is capped at 150 to 200 participants, ensuring an intimate experience, while the captivating evening cultural events will be open for all to enjoy.
Reflecting on the organizational hurdles, Sabin, who has successfully helmed six editions of the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters, shares, “Organizing such a festival typically demands six to seven months of meticulous planning. Securing prominent figures in travel literature often requires at least a year’s lead time. For Yaanam, however, we had a mere month to prepare. Reaching travel writers can also be tricky, given their constant movement.” He reassures, “For future editions, we are committed to beginning our preparations much earlier.”
Registrations for Yaanam are anticipated to commence on October 10th. Further details will be available on the Kerala Tourism website.