Kochi streets turn art playground for biennale spectacle

Kochi’s iconic port precinct is set to buzz with art, music and processions as the sixth Kochi-Muziris Biennale, Asia’s largest contemporary art festival, throws open its doors on Friday, with festivities kicking off at noon at Aspinwall House in Fort Kochi.

- HD Bureau

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will formally declare the international exhibition open at the sprawling Parade Ground in the evening, signalling the start of a 110-day cultural extravaganza that runs until 31 March 2026. City planners, artists and organisers have painted the festival's launch with a sense of playful energy that stretches beyond gallery walls. The flag hoisting at the heritage Aspinwall House will be accompanied by traditional percussion rhythms, setting a festive tone well before the official evening inauguration. Following the flag ceremony, which embodies a symbolic call to creative adventure, musicians and performers will take to multiple stages around town, turning Fort Kochi’s bylanes into a vibrant stage.