If I ask you to imagine a queer gathering or a safe space for queer people, what do you picture? The truth is, a lot of queer spaces these days can feel superficial, overly crowded, and even hostile. Whether it’s queer parties at bars, or even large, public queer pride events in big cities, these spaces can be extremely overwhelming, overstimulating, and suffocating for some people.
That’s where ŪRU Festival comes in. ŪRU (pronounced as Ooru) is India’s first queer camping festival. The festival is held annually, and this year it will be held from April 11th to 13th in Vilpatti, Kodaikanal.
The idea behind ŪRU is simple: to reclaim spaces in nature where queer individuals can bond, connect, and express themselves freely, away from the confines of bars and dance clubs.
The Origins of ŪRU
Prasanna Pichai, the founder of ŪRU, had envisioned ŪRU as a haven where queer individuals could:
Connect with like-minded souls, free from the constraints of societal expectations.
Introspect and explore their true selves, surrounded by the serenity of nature.
Access art, music, and performances that spoke to their experiences, often inaccessible in mainstream spaces.
Have the time of their lives dancing under the stars and letting their hair down.
The name “ŪRU” holds deep significance—in many South Indian languages, it means “village,” symbolizing a community, a gathering, and a sense of belonging. ŪRU is the outcome of a deep desire to create a queer safe space from scratch, where people could come together, bond and make unforgettable memories.
Through collaborations with like-minded community organizations such as Out and About (a queer inclusive trek and travel organisation) and Hers is Ours (a feminist collective) in the past, the first two editions of ŪRU were hosted successfully in Wayanad. Building on this momentum, ŪRU is now gearing up for its third edition in the picturesque hills of Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu.
Discovering the New Home for ŪRU: Vilpatti, Kodaikanal
For the past two years, ŪRU had called Wayanad, Kerala, its home. However, as the community continued to grow, the organisers quickly found the need for a new venue that could accommodate a slightly larger crowd. Their search led them to the breathtaking hills of Kodaikanal.
Kodaikanal’s rolling hills, misty mornings, and cool climate in April made it the perfect choice for the festival. Exploring Vilpatti, the ŪRU organisers were awestruck by its vastness and breathtaking views. The venue’s expansive grounds, picturesque landscapes, and serene atmosphere made it the perfect setting for ŪRU’s next chapter.
So, What Sets ŪRU Apart?
When asked about what else sets ŪRU apart from other queer festivals and events, here’s what Prasanna, the founder, had to say:
Curating at the intersection of identity: At the heart of our festival is a commitment to curating at the intersection of gender identity, sexuality, and caste. We ensure that voices historically excluded from mainstream cultural spaces are centered and celebrated.
Empowering emerging artists: We prioritize emerging artists, providing them with a platform to share their work, gain visibility, and be compensated fairly for their contributions.
Honoring tradition and community: We are honored to have elders from the Karnataka transgender community (Jogathi elders) join us, bringing with them powerful traditions such as reciting the stories of Yellamma.
Mental health support: We prioritize well-being by providing access to therapists and mental health support, ensuring that our participants feel seen and cared for.
Sustainability at the core: Sustainability is woven into every aspect of our festival. From regenerative space design to waste-free infrastructure, we are committed to creating an event that aligns with ecological consciousness.
Workshops for growth and healing: Our carefully curated selection of workshops explores queerness in deeply introspective and contemplative ways, making our festival not just a place of celebration but also one of growth, healing, and collective understanding.
Discover the Magic of ŪRU’s Workshops and Performances
What can one expect from the workshops and performances at the festival?
Discover immersive experiences that blend art, movement, and sound:
Re-imagining Maps: Challenge traditional notions of mapping and rethink your relationship with space and identity.
Deep Listening with the Land: Explore the subtle barriers between simply hearing and conscious listening.
Voice Lab Project: Experiment and expand your vocal abilities through various voice exercises. Discover new sounds, tones, and expressions, and unleash your inner vocal artist.
Intuitive Rhythm: Learn how to make simple sounds using bamboo, and explore the world of rhythm and music.
Gadha (Mace) Training: Learn the traditional Indian art of wielding the gadha, a symbol of strength and discipline.
Aravani Art Project: On the final day of the festival, join us for a collective canvas painting curated by the Aravani Art Project.
Experience powerful performances from artists like:
Krantinaari, an internationally renowned rapper and co-founder of Wild Wild Women, India’s first all-female hip-hop collective.
Poongodi Mathiarasu, a multidisciplinary artist who blends puppetry, theatre, and journalism to create social change crafting queer-centered theatre productions.
Dragsitar by Sexwax, blending classic Hindustani ragas with western music and beats to create a unique fusion, transcending borders and uniting people through the universal language of music.
And much more!
For a comprehensive breakdown of the artists, workshops, schedule and details about the festival, and to buy tickets to the festival, head over to ŪRU’s Instagram and website.
