Twelve-Day Celebration Highlights Kerala’s Cinema Tourism Potential and Coastal Heritage
The picturesque coastal district of Kasaragod launched its most ambitious tourism initiative on Saturday, December 20, 2025 with the inauguration of the Bekal International Beach Festival, a twelve-day celebration that marks three significant milestones in Kerala’s tourism journey.
Kerala Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas formally opened the festival at Bekal Beach Park at 4 PM, with Udma MLA C.H. Kunhambu presiding over the ceremony as chairman of the organizing committee. The event commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation while simultaneously celebrating three decades since the release of the landmark film Bombay, which put Bekal Fort on the global cinema tourism map. Ms. Sikha Surendran IAS, Director of Kerala Tourism welcomed the gathering, while Mr. Shijin Parambath, MD of Bekal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. Proposed vote of thanks.
During the inaugural function Ace film maker and director iconic film Bomaby, and heroine Ms. Manisha Koirala and Ace cinematographer Mr. Rajiv menon are attended the event.
A Double Anniversary Celebration
The convergence of these anniversaries creates a unique opportunity to reflect on how strategic tourism development, coupled with cinematic recognition, can transform a region’s economic and cultural landscape. The Bekal Resorts Development Corporation, established three decades ago, has been instrumental in positioning this northern Kerala district as a premium destination for domestic and international travelers.
The corporation’s journey mirrors the broader evolution of Kerala’s tourism sector, which has grown from a niche backwater destination to one of India’s most sought-after travel experiences. By focusing on sustainable development, heritage preservation, and infrastructure enhancement, BRDC has successfully balanced growth with environmental conservation.
The festival’s timing with the Bombay anniversary is particularly significant. The 1995 film featured Bekal Fort prominently in the haunting composition Uyire (known as Tu Hi Re in Hindi), creating an enduring association between the location and Indian cinema. This connection exemplifies the power of cinema tourism -a sector that Kerala Tourism is now actively promoting through strategic initiatives.
Star-Studded Launch Draws National Attention
Adding considerable star power to the inauguration, the Bekal Beach festival welcomed director Mani Ratnam, actress Manisha Koirala, and cinematographer Rajiv Menon – the creative team behind Bombay. Their presence serves multiple purposes: honoring the film’s legacy, promoting Kerala’s cinema tourism potential, and demonstrating to filmmakers worldwide the diverse shooting locations the state offers.
The reunion of these cinema legends at Bekal Fort represents more than nostalgia. It’s a deliberate strategy by Kerala Tourism to showcase how the state can serve as both muse and canvas for filmmakers. By highlighting locations that have achieved iconic status through cinema, tourism authorities hope to attract more productions while simultaneously drawing film enthusiasts to these destinations.
This approach recognizes that modern tourism extends beyond traditional sightseeing. Today’s travelers increasingly seek experiential connections – opportunities to walk through locations they’ve seen on screen, to understand the stories behind famous sequences, and to feel part of cinematic history.
Infrastructure Meets Ambition
The scale of preparation for this festival reflects Kasaragod’s growing capacity to host major events. District authorities have implemented comprehensive parking arrangements across multiple locations to accommodate the expected influx of visitors. Designated parking areas include the Pallikara Primary Health Centre and Government Higher Secondary School premises, ensuring accessibility without compromising the visitor experience.
To the north, the Bekal mini stadium and fort parking area provide additional capacity, while southern approaches utilize private lands adjacent to the beach park and the former Red Moon beach area. These arrangements demonstrate the collaborative approach between public authorities and private landowners in supporting tourism development.
Such infrastructure investments serve dual purposes. They address immediate festival requirements while creating lasting facilities that will benefit future tourism throughout the year. This long-term thinking characterizes BRDC’s development philosophy – building capacity that extends beyond individual events to support sustained growth.
Economic Catalyst for Regional Development
The festival’s economic impact extends far beyond ticket sales or accommodation bookings. Local artisans, food vendors, transportation services, and small businesses throughout the district stand to benefit from increased visitor numbers. This ripple effect demonstrates how strategic tourism events can stimulate broad-based economic activity.
The hospitality sector particularly benefits from such initiatives. Hotels, homestays, and resorts experience heightened demand, while restaurants and cafes serving regional cuisine gain exposure to new audiences. These commercial benefits often translate into employment opportunities, particularly for local youth seeking alternatives to traditional livelihoods.
Moreover, festivals of this magnitude place destinations on the mental map of potential visitors. Attendees often return later for leisure trips, recommend the location to friends and family, and share their experiences through social media, creating organic marketing that extends the event’s impact far beyond its twelve-day duration.
Showcasing Cultural Heritage
While cinema tourism provides the festival’s hook, the broader agenda involves showcasing Kasaragod’s rich cultural heritage. The district, representing Kerala’s northernmost reaches, possesses distinctive traditions that reflect influences from neighboring Karnataka while maintaining quintessentially Keralite characteristics.
Traditional performances, local handicrafts, and regional cuisine feature prominently in the festival programming. This cultural dimension serves multiple objectives: preserving traditional arts by providing performance opportunities, educating visitors about local heritage, and creating authentic experiences that differentiate Bekal from generic beach destinations.
The Bekal Fort itself stands as testimony to the region’s historical significance. Its distinctive circular architecture and dramatic coastal setting have witnessed centuries of history, from colonial conflicts to contemporary cinema. The festival provides opportunities for visitors to engage with this heritage through guided tours, historical exhibitions, and interpretive programming.
Looking Forward: Sustainable Tourism Growth
As the twelve-day celebration unfolds, it represents more than an anniversary commemoration. The Bekal International Beach Festival embodies Kerala’s vision for tourism development—one that honors heritage while embracing innovation, that promotes economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability, and that welcomes the world while maintaining authentic local character.
The festival’s success will be measured not merely in visitor numbers but in its ability to establish Bekal as a year-round destination worthy of inclusion in global travel itineraries. With three decades of experience informing its approach, BRDC appears well-positioned to guide this transformation while preserving the very qualities that make Kasaragod special.
