The inaugural Global Malayalee Festival will take place in Kochi, India, on January 1 and 2, honoring 16 distinguished achievers with the Global Malayalee Ratna Awards.
Kochi, India — January 2026: The Malayalee Festival Federation (MFF), a not-for-profit organization registered as an NGO, is set to host the inaugural Global Malayalee Festival on January 1 and 2 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Kochi. This landmark event aims to unite Malayalees from around the world to celebrate their achievements, strengthen community ties, and channel diaspora expertise toward the development of Kerala.
The two-day festival will gather business leaders, professionals, cultural icons, and community champions from various countries. A key highlight will be the presentation of the Global Malayalee Ratna Awards, which will honor 16 distinguished Malayalees for their exceptional contributions across diverse fields, including business, science, engineering, finance, technology, politics, literature, arts, culture, and community service.
The festival will kick off on January 1 with a New Year networking reception for international delegates. This gathering is designed to foster collaboration among Malayalees who have made significant strides in their respective fields.
“This festival is more than an event—it is a global homecoming,” said Andrew Pappachen, CEO of the Malayalee Festival Federation. “Malayalees have excelled in every corner of the world, and it is time we bring that collective strength back to Kerala. Our goal is to create a platform where ideas, investments, and innovations can flow freely for the benefit of our community.”
On January 2, the festival will feature the first-ever Global Malayalee Trade and Investment Meet, which will include sessions focused on economic opportunities, entrepreneurship, and cross-border partnerships. Delegates will explore avenues for investment in Kerala, discuss emerging global markets, and identify ways to leverage diaspora networks for sustainable development.
Abdullah Manjeiri, Managing Director of MFF, emphasized the meet’s potential for long-term impact. “Kerala has immense potential, and the global Malayalee community has the expertise and resources to accelerate its growth,” he said. “This festival is the beginning of a new chapter—one where our global community collaborates intentionally for Kerala’s future.”
The presentation of the Global Malayalee Ratna Awards will serve as the emotional centerpiece of the festival. The 16 honorees represent decades of achievement and service across continents, with contributions spanning industries and disciplines—from pioneering scientific research to building global enterprises, and from advancing public service to preserving Malayalee culture abroad.
“These awards are a tribute to the extraordinary journeys of Malayalees who have carried Kerala’s spirit with them wherever they went,” Pappachen noted. “Their success stories inspire the next generation and remind us of the global footprint of our community.”
In addition to the 16 awardees, several other prominent Malayalees will receive special recognition for their personal achievements and contributions to the community.
The Global Malayalee Festival is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: that the Malayalee diaspora, one of the most widespread and accomplished communities in the world, can be a transformative force for Kerala.
The organizers emphasize that the event is open to all Malayalees, regardless of where they live or work. “Our vision is to build a global network that stays connected, collaborates meaningfully, and contributes collectively,” Manjeiri said. “This is not just a festival—it is a movement.”
Beyond awards and business sessions, the festival will also celebrate the cultural richness of Kerala. Delegates will experience traditional art forms, literary showcases, and discussions on preserving Malayalee identity in an increasingly globalized world.
The organizers believe that blending culture with commerce is essential for progress. “Our heritage is our strength,” said Pappachen. “When we combine cultural pride with global ambition, we create a powerful foundation for progress.”
Looking ahead, the Malayalee Festival Federation hopes to establish the Global Malayalee Festival as an annual event, rotating across major cities worldwide. The long-term vision includes creating a global Malayalee council, launching diaspora-driven development initiatives, and establishing mentorship networks for youth.
As the countdown begins, excitement is building among Malayalees across continents. The festival promises not only to honor excellence but also to ignite new partnerships and possibilities.
“Every Malayalee, no matter where they live, carries a piece of Kerala in their heart,” Manjeiri reflected. “This festival brings those pieces together to create something extraordinary,” according to Global Net News.