Vayalar Sahithya Puraskaram

About this event

Vayalar Sahithya Puraskaram, officially the Vayalar Ramavarma Literary Award, is one of Kerala’s prominent annual literary honours, instituted by the Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Trust in memory of poet and lyricist Vayalar Ramavarma. Established in 1977, the award recognises an outstanding work of Malayalam literature and has become an important part of Kerala’s literary and cultural calendar. The award is presented annually around October 27, the death anniversary of Vayalar Ramavarma, with the ceremony traditionally serving as an occasion to remember his contribution to Malayalam poetry and popular culture. The award is not a festival held at Vayalar Memorial in Alappuzha district; in recent years, the presentation ceremony has been held in Thiruvananthapuram. The 49th Vayalar Award, for example, was presented to writer E. Santhosh Kumar for his novel Thapomayiyude Achan at Nishagandhi Auditorium, Kanakakkunnu, on October 27, 2025. The award carries a cash prize, citation, and sculpture, and the selection is made by a literary jury appointed for the award. The annual ceremony can also feature literary and cultural programmes connected with Vayalar’s legacy. The 2025 presentation included a Carnatic music presentation based on Vayalar’s compositions, a dance presentation by Kerala Kalamandalam based on his poetry, poetry recitation, and a musical tribute featuring singers performing songs written by him. The event therefore brings together literature, poetry, music, dance, and remembrance rather than functioning simply as an award presentation. For visitors interested in Malayalam literature and Kerala’s cultural history, the occasion provides an opportunity to encounter the continuing influence of one of the state’s best-known modern poets and lyricists while also observing the recognition of contemporary Malayalam writing. The award’s long history has seen writers from different literary backgrounds receive the honour, reinforcing its place within Kerala’s modern literary tradition. In 2026, the award is part of the year-long Vayalar Year observances marking the 50th death anniversary of Vayalar Ramavarma, with the 50th edition of the literary award forming part of the commemorative programme

🚆 Railway: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station — approximately 4–5 km from Nishagandhi Auditorium.

✈️ Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport — approximately 6 km.

🚌 Bus: City buses serve the Kanakakkunnu/Museum area; the auditorium is within the Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds.

🏨 Stay: Hotels and guesthouses are widely available around Museum, Palayam, Vellayambalam, and central Thiruvananthapuram.

✅ Notes: The Vayalar Award is an annual Malayalam literary award, with the presentation traditionally held around October 27. The 2025 ceremony was held at Nishagandhi Auditorium, Thiruvananthapuram. The 2026 edition forms part of the Vayalar Year commemorations; check the latest programme for the confirmed date, venue, and public-entry arrangements.