The Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF) has announced the closing day programme for the 6th edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), scheduled for 31 March 2026. The day marks the culmination of one of India’s most prominent contemporary art events, bringing months of exhibitions, public programmes, and cultural dialogue to a formal close.
Kodiyirakkam: A Ceremonial Farewell at Aspinwall House
The closing day will begin at 12:00 PM with the Kodiyirakkam, the ceremonial lowering of the flag, at the iconic Aspinwall House in Fort Kochi. A tradition unique to the Biennale, Kodiyirakkam symbolises the formal conclusion of the edition. Visitors are reminded that gates at all Biennale venues will close at 5:00 PM on 31 March 2026.
Official Closing Ceremony at Durbar Hall Ground, Ernakulam
The evening programme will begin at 7:00 PM at Durbar Hall Ground, Ernakulam, featuring official addresses and felicitations from key stakeholders of the Biennale. Speakers at the closing ceremony include:
- Dr. Venu V., Chairperson, Kochi Biennale Foundation
- Jitish Kallat, newly appointed President of KMB
- Nikhil Chopra, Curator of the 6th edition of KMB
- Thomas Varghese, CEO, Kochi Biennale Foundation
Their addresses are expected to reflect on the journey, artistic impact, and legacy of this edition of the Biennale.
Free Live Concert by Parvaaz Closes the 6th Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Following the official ceremony, the evening will conclude with a free live concert by Parvaaz at 7:30 PM — the acclaimed Kashmiri rock band known for their Urdu and Kashmiri lyrics and genre-blending sound. The open-to-all concert offers a fitting, celebratory close to a Biennale edition rooted in public access and community engagement.
About the 6th Kochi-Muziris Biennale
The 6th edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, curated by artist Nikhil Chopra, has been running across multiple venues in Fort Kochi and Ernakulam. Established in 2012, the KMB is India’s largest contemporary art exhibition and one of Asia’s most significant biennales, drawing artists, curators, and audiences from across the world.
For more information on venues and timings, visit the official Kochi Biennale Foundation website.
Athmaja Biju is the Editor at Abir Pothi. She is a Translator and Writer working on Visual Culture.
