The second edition of ‘Utsavam,’ the cultural festival  by  Kerala Tourism Department centered on tourist spots in the State with the support of Kerala Folklore Akademi.
Utsavam 2011-12 will be held  from December 18th 2011 to  February 26th 2012. Utsavam festival focuses on providing a cultural fest of folk dances which are less popular and which are in the verge of extinction. In the Utsavam, one can witness the wide variety and richness of Kerala Folk art forms.
Tourism Department was committed to preserving the State’s ethnic art forms, said Mr. A. P. Anil Kumar, Minister for Tourism while inaugurating the State-wide festival. He added that compared with popular art, traditional and folk art forms do not get the attention they deserve.
Mr. Therambil Ramakrishnan, MLA, presided over the function. The Tourism Department felicitated artist Mr. M. V. Devan, Ms. Kalamandalam Kshemavathy, Ms. Ambujakshi, Pulluvanpattu exponent and Mr.Itteeri Kunjukuttan Asan, Kalamezhuthupattu artiste.
M. V. Devan said that galleries and museums in the State should arrange regular performances of traditional art forms. It will promote the art forms and help artistes earn their daily bread. Mr. T. N. Prathapan, mr. Babu M. Palissery, mr. M. P. Vincent, MLAs; Mr. I. P. Paul, Mayor ; Mr.T. V. Chandramohan,  Chairman, Guruvayur Devaswom; and Ms.Rani George, Tourism director were present.
The inaugural meeting was followed by a stage show, themed ‘water’directed by Pradeep Payyannur, featuring art forms such as Sopana Sangeetham, Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Chavittu Natakam and Velakali.
The Kerala Tourism Promotion Council, to promote and popularize the rich, cultural heritage & folk dances organises Utsavam every Year during the month of December to February. Utsavam 2011-2012 has 359 programmes ranging from Folk, Ritual, Tribal and Classic art forms of Kerala, happening on 14 districts in 42 venues and goes up to February 2012.
Set up organising committees in all venues by roping in representatives of local bodies, cultural leaders and NGOs. The District Tourism Promotion Councils has been entrusted with the task of organising the events in all the districts
Renowned artists will present Arabanmuttu, Arjunanrutham, Chattu, Chonanpattu, Gadhika, Ivar Kali Mangalamkali, thacholikkali, Ninabali, Mulamchenda, malayankettu, Thangalum Padayum and Thayambaka. Art forms will be staged in all districts every Sunday till February 26.