The 9th Pondicherry Heritage Festival (PHF), which begins on February 1, will move the focus from promoting the city's distinctive attractions to attracting tourists to developing an action plan centred on the idea of Responsible Tourism.
The festival highlights the unique qualities of this coastal town and its surroundings. The original intent of the festival was to raise awareness about the importance of preserving Pondicherry's unique architectural legacy, but it has since broadened its focus to include all manner of oral traditions, its diversified built environment, gorgeous seaside location, rich intellectual and spiritual past, and fascinating blend of native and foreign cultural practises.
The Line-Up
This year, you can attend a variety of events spanning across the broad theme of heritage, from built and living heritage, to culture, environment and local food systems.
Visitors can take part in quizzes, workshops, food walks, and traditional games. There will be a dose of adventure in the form of boat rides in the mangroves, kayaking, and cycle tours. Students can attend many creative events at the festival.
This year, many of the events will focus on creating awareness about environmental issues. For instance, a wetlands photography competition, and a festival on local food systems festival which will explore social and cultural aspects of food and agriculture.
A must-attend is the Pudu Vaanam Craft Bazaar featuring artisans from across India. And interact with local artisans from Pondicherry and Auroville at the Crafts Bazaar, Gandhi Thidal.
Things To Do In Pondicherry
An age-old French connection with a tinge of south India, Pondicherry is a captivating combination. It is not just home to pristine beaches with soft, white sand but also bee-lined colonial-style bungalows with free-falling bougainvillea, lip-smacking food, art galleries and &rsquogram-worthy walls. While mornings here can be spent watching the sunrise, marvelling at the architecture and indulging in wholesome meals, the breezy evenings pave way for boulevard walks and some beach therapy. Here's a guide to spending a day in this coastal city.
The Information
When From February 1 to March 15, 2023
More info here.
