A Seminar and Essay Contest on “Role of Monsoon in Changing Culture of Kerala” will be held for college and university students as part of Vayali Mazholsavam (Rain Festival) to be held on the banks of the Bharathapuzha on August 6.

The Nila campus in Cheruthuruthy will host the seminar organized by the Vayali in association with Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University and the Center for Intangible Heritage Studies at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit.

The seminar will be open only to those who register in advance, said Vinod M. Nambiar of Vayali. Students must self-register by emailing details of their name, college and major to [email protected] by Wednesday, August 3.

“We will discuss various rain-related factors, especially the monsoon. Ethnic knowledge, customs, festivals and rituals related to rain will be discussed,” Mr. Nambiar said.

The essay contest for college and university students will be conducted in Malayalam. Abstracts in 200 words must be sent to Vayali before August 5th. Selected abstracts will be announced on August 15. Full essays are due August 31.

For more details, students can contact Mr. Nambiar at 9446938770.