Kochi-Kerala- January 2026: The 22nd Kerala Bamboo Fest – 2025 recently concluded its successful run at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor, Kochi. Held from December 27, 2025, to January 01, 2026, the event served as a vibrant celebration of eco-friendly industries and traditional craftsmanship. Organised by the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala, the festival has evolved into a premier platform for promoting bamboo-based livelihoods and sustainable forest products.
The festival featured approximately 160 stalls, creating a diverse marketplace that brought together a wide array of stakeholders:
Government Units: Forest Development Agencies (FDAs) and the Kerala Forest & Wildlife Department.
Artisans & Entrepreneurs: Skillful creators from across India.
International Presence: Special participation from Bhutan, showcasing cross-border collaboration in bamboo development.
Public Sector: Various PSUs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) contributing to the green economy.
The exhibits ranged from intricate handicrafts and modern furniture to innovative lifestyle products and value-added forest produce.
Spotlight: Vanasree – Chalakudy
A major highlight of the event was the active participation of Vanasree – Chalakudy, operating under the Forest Development Agency of the Chalakudy Forest Division (Central Circle, Thrissur). Occupying Stalls 10 and 11, Vanasree offered visitors a direct link to the heart of Kerala’s forests. Their presence was more than just a retail space; it was a showcase of authenticity and community-driven sustainability.
The Vanasree stalls drew significant crowds by offering high-quality, sustainably sourced items, including:
Pure Forest Honey: A crowd favorite, along with various honey-based products.
Wellness & Herbal Products: Natural remedies and wellness items derived from traditional knowledge.
Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP): Value-added items that support forest-dependent communities.
Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Goods: Sustainable household alternatives to plastic.
The participation of the Chalakudy FDA represented a significant strategic victory for local forest conservation and community development. By increasing the visibility of the Vanasree brand among urban consumers, the event successfully enhanced public awareness of high-quality, sustainably produced forest products. This platform provided vital community support, directly benefiting forest-dependent groups by showcasing their craftsmanship to a wider audience. Furthermore, the fest facilitated critical market linkages, opening new doors for institutional collaboration and long-term trade opportunities. By fostering direct stakeholder interaction between artisans, government officials, and industry leaders, the event strengthened the network required to sustain Kerala’s eco-friendly economy for years to come.
The 22nd Kerala Bamboo Fest – 2025 reinforced the state’s commitment to a greener future. Through the active involvement of units like Vanasree – Chalakudy, the event successfully proved that traditional forest resources, when managed sustainably, are a cornerstone of modern economic growth.
