Kozhikode, Kerala: The inaugural Malabar Garden Festival began on December 20 at the picturesque Malabar Botanical Garden in Kozhikode.

Organised by the Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences, the event promotes environmental awareness and culture.

The garden boasts stunning flower beds and sculptures, creating an immersive experience for nature and art enthusiasts.

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Cultural highlights include Kathakali, folk music, ghazal nights, and captivating dance performances by Navya Nair and Meera Nair.

Engaging competitions in photography, clay modelling, watercolour painting, pencil drawing, and cartooning are being held for visitors.

Educational workshops on artificial intelligence, biodiversity conservation, taxonomy, and nursery management offer insights to selected participants.

Research organisations like World Wide Fund (WWF), Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), and M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) are showcasing informative stalls at the festival’s exhibition.

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Ornamental plant sales at the garden attract nature enthusiasts eager to enhance their personal green spaces.

The festival concludes on December 29, with the exhibition remaining open for schoolchildren for additional days.