Kozhikode: Kerala Tourism Minister P A Mohammed Riyas said Hortus—the art, literature, and cultural festival hosted by Malayala Manorama—will become a people's festival. He said Kozhikode will welcome all literary gatherings. He was speaking after inaugurating the Hortus Kochi Biennale and the Malayala Manorama pavilions.
"When Malayala Manorama decided to organise Hortus in Kozhikode, its people welcomed it with open arms. Malayalis worldwide can rejoice through such programmes and move forward with greater unity. This will bring joy to the art enthusiasts of Kozhikode," he said.
"People from across the world decided on their travel plans based on Kochi Biennale dates. Later, it became a major event in Kerala. Such gatherings will also uplift that region. Hence, Malayala Manorama must be congratulated for organising the event," he added.
"Beypore Sultan's (Vaikom Muhammed Basheer) dream of a cultural centre in Kozhikode will be fulfilled soon. It will become a place where such programmes can be organised in the future. I extend my full support for conducting more such events in Kozhikode," he said.
Mayor Beena Philip presided over the function. Hortus Director NS Madhavan, Malayala Manorama Executive Editor Jayant Mammen Mathew, and Meitra Hospital CEO Nihaj G Mohammed attended the event.
SN Sujith and PS Jalaja, under the leadership of Bose Krishnamachari, are curating the art pavilion. It features over 300 artworks by 43 artists. Meitra Hospitals is the sponsor.
