**Executive Summary**
The Nehru Science Centre, in collaboration with the All Mumbai Malayali Association (AMMA), will host the 7th Marathi-Malayali Ethnic Fest 2026 in Mumbai from February 20th to 22nd. The festival, themed "Where Science Meets Tradition," aims to promote cultural harmony and national integration. It includes educational outreach with competitions for schools and cultural performances.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Festival Details**
* Dates: February 20-22, 2026
* Location: Nehru Science Centre, Worli, Mumbai
* Theme: "Where Science Meets Tradition"
* Time: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
* Admission: Free
* **Purpose**
* To symbolically connect the cultural legacies of the Sahyadris and the Western Ghats.
* To promote national integration, scientific temper, and cultural harmony.
* **Educational Outreach**
* Over 1,000 schools invited to participate in competitions.
* Competitions include Drawing, Patriotic Group Songs, Quiz, and Folk Dance.
* Winning schools receive trophies.
* Individual participants receive medals and certificates.
* Registered participants get complimentary access to Science Centre galleries.
* **Cultural Performances**
* Evening performances from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
* Maharashtra segment includes Koli, Lavani, Mangala Gauri and Gondhal.
* Kerala segment includes Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, Margamkali, Thiruvathira and Oppana.
**Impact Analysis**
**Schools and Students**
* **Impact:** Opportunity to participate in competitions, showcase talents, and learn about cultural heritage.
* **Action Required:** Register to participate in the competitions.
**Participants/Attendees**
* **Impact:** Opportunity to experience and appreciate the cultural legacies of the Sahyadris and the Western Ghats.
* **Action Required:** Attend the festival to witness the cultural performances and explore the Science Centre galleries.
**Cultural and Social Dignitaries**
* **Impact:** Invited to grace the event.
* **Action Required:** Attend the festival to support and promote cultural exchange.
Key Entities Referenced
Mumbai: Location of the Marathi-Malayali Ethnic Fest 2026.
Marathi-Malayali Ethnic Fest 2026: Annual cultural festival celebrating the traditions of Maharashtra and Kerala.
Ministry of Culture: Government ministry under which the Nehru Science Centre operates and is involved in the event.
All Mumbai Malayali Association (AMMA): Organization co-organizing the Marathi-Malayali Ethnic Fest.
Nehru Science Centre: Venue and organizer of the Marathi-Malayali Ethnic Fest.
Ministry of Culture
Marathi–Malayali Ethnic Fest 2026 to be Held in
Mumbai from 20–22 February
Posted On: 17 FEB 2026 6:02PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai: 17 February 2026
The Nehru Science Centre, a unit of the National Council of Science Museums under
the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the All Mumbai
Malayali Association (AMMA), will organise the 7th edition of the Marathi–Malayali
Ethnic Fest 2026 from 20th to 22nd February 2026 at its premises in Worli, Mumbai.
Celebrated under the theme “Where Science Meets Tradition” the three-day festival
aims to symbolically connect the cultural legacies of the Sahyadris and the Western
Ghats while promoting national integration, scientific temper and cultural harmony.
A major highlight of the festival is its extensive educational outreach. More than
1,000 schools from Mumbai and neighbouring regions have been formally invited to
participate in various competitions, including Drawing, Patriotic Group Songs, Quiz
and Folk Dance. Winning schools will be awarded trophies, while individual
participants will receive medals and certificates. All registered participants will be
provided complimentary access to the Science Centre galleries, ensuring a
meaningful blend of education, creativity and experiential learning.
Shri Umesh Kumar Rustagi, Director, Nehru Science Centre, stated that science and
culture evolve together and are not separate entities. He emphasised that the
festival provides a unique platform for thousands of students to explore the
scientific principles embedded in traditions and to appreciate their heritage while
embracing a scientific temper. Shri Jojo Thomas, Festival Director and President of
AMMA, remarked that the festival reflects India’s unity in diversity, drawing a
parallel to the Pookalam that brings together flowers of many colours. He also
highlighted the introduction of a special focus on poetry and skilled artists in this
year’s edition. AMMA is widely known for its iconic floral carpets (Pookalam)
displayed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
The evenings from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM will feature vibrant cultural performances by
eminent artists from Maharashtra and Kerala. The Maharashtra segment will include
Koli, Lavani, Mangala Gauri and Gondhal, while the Kerala segment will present
Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, Margamkali, Thiruvathira and Oppana. The event will
be graced by distinguished dignitaries from the cultural, educational and social
sectors.
The festival will be held from 20 to 22 February 2026 between 10:00 AM and 8:00
PM at the Nehru Science Centre, Dr. E. Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai. Admission to
the festival is free for all. The initiative seeks to provide a vibrant and inclusiveplatform where science, culture and education converge, strengthening appreciation
for India’s diverse heritage among students and the general public alike.
PIB Mumbai | Sriyanka Chatterjee/Robin Singh/ Priti Malandkar
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