A tribute in stone and spirit to Kerala's greatest literary visionary, built at Thasrak — the real village that inspired the fictional Khasak.
The O.V. Vijayan Memorial stands in Thasrak, the village that served as the inspiration for the legendary Khasak. Established by the Government of Kerala and developed by the O.V. Vijayan Smaraka Samiti, the memorial preserves and celebrates the literary and artistic legacy of one of India's most transformative voices.
The archway leading to the memorial is adorned with 140 granite sculptures, each meticulously carved by renowned sculptors to depict characters from Khasakkinte Itihasam — bringing the fictional world into physical form.
Njattupura
The traditional granary where Vijayan stayed during the late 1950s-60s while writing Khasak.
Theatre
Screens documentaries, short films, and memorial lectures on demand.
Archive
Rare manuscripts, photographs, personal letters, and original artwork.
Cartoon Gallery
Permanent exhibition of political cartoons spanning four decades.
The memorial complex at Thasrak offers a rich, immersive experience — from heritage structures and sculpture gardens to galleries of art, cartoons, photographs, and calligraphy.
Khasak — Njattupura & Wayfarer's Inn
The traditional granary (Njattupura) where Vijayan stayed in the late 1950s–60s while writing Khasakkinte Itihasam. The surrounding landscape — the palm trees, the mosque, the burial ground, the tamarind trees — all find their way into the novel. Now preserved as the heart of the memorial, Njattupura houses the Photo Gallery, Cartoon Gallery, Letter Gallery, and Video Gallery within its premises.
Arabikkulam
A footpath by the side of Njattupura leads to the minarets of the mosque where Allapicha Mollakka spelt out his prayers. The Arabikkulam (pond) is adjacent — its still waters and surrounding sculptures evoke the deep pulse of Khasak. Renovated by the memorial committee, this crystalline space revives the unearthly experiences of the legendary saga.
Vazhiyambalam — The Wayfarer's Inn
Near the main road at Koomankavu (the bus stop mentioned in the novel where Ravi, the protagonist, alights), a symbolic Wayfarer's Inn has been constructed with mural-adorned walls. A gathering place for visitors to assemble and hold aesthetic discussions, complete with the Khasak Memorial Gateway featuring a mural relief by Artist Manikandan Punnakkal.
O.V. Vijayan Photo Gallery
Photographs from various phases of O.V. Vijayan's life, contributed by three prominent photographers — K.R. Vinayan, Ashraf Malayali, and A.K. Bijuraj. Over 50 photographs that attribute a new sense of eternal presence to the memorial complex.
Cartoon Gallery
A collection of O.V. Vijayan's 40 most famous political cartoons from distinguished newspapers, exhibited for enthusiasts. Eloquent expressions on politics, society, and the times — conveyed through masterful strokes — revealing Vijayan in a new garb.
Letter Gallery
A curated collection of O.V. Vijayan's personal letters to friends and fellow writers, offering intimate glimpses into the mind of the literary master. The letters reveal his thoughts on literature, philosophy, politics, and life.
Mural Gallery
Twelve mural works by ten of Kerala's most prominent mural artists — Saju Thuruthil, K.U. Krishnakumar, Basanth Peringode, Suresh Muthukulam, Ajithan Puthumana, Krishnan Mallisseri, Manikandan Punnakkal, K.R. Babu, Arunjith Pazhassi, and Ashokakumar R. — interpreting the characters and themes of O.V. Vijayan's works. Sponsored by Kerala Lalithakala Academy.
Sandehangal — Art Gallery
Paintings by 15 distinguished artists of Kerala who participated in the O.V. Vijayan Memorial Painting Camp, creating visual interpretations of Vijayan's novels. A homage through lines and colours — quite experimental and deeply evocative.
Khasak Calligraphy Gallery
Thirty calligraphy compositions by Artist Bhathiri, weaving together distinct passages from Khasakkinte Itihasam into visual art. Inaugurated by Padma Vibhushan Adoor Gopalakrishnan as part of the novel's Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Novel Illustration Gallery
Visual interpretations of Vijayan's various novels by artists including A.S., Artist Namoothiri, and Madanan — paintings that bring the fictional worlds to vivid life on canvas.
Seminar Hall
A fully equipped seminar hall accommodating 250 persons comfortably, with public address system, recording system, projector, screen, stage, and seating. An ideal venue for lectures, seminars, workshops, and cultural programmes.
Live Theatre on Demand
A state-of-the-art theatre screening documentaries tracing Vijayan's life, short films, feature films, and memorial lectures on demand — offering intellectual, emotional, and visionary encounters with O.V. Vijayan. Over 200 hours of curated content available.
Available in the Theatre Collection (17)
- Kadaltheerath (Dir: Sherry)
- Ormakalile Irippidangal (Dir: Sony Ollur)
- Ithihasathile Khasak (Dir: Jyothiprakash)
- Ottakkarimbanakaatt (Dir: Vinod Mankara)
- Vijayasaraswatham (Dir: P. Mohanan)
- Kadaltheerath (Dir: Rajeevnath)
- Janmanthrangalile Velutha Mazha (Dir: Aneesh Barsom)
- Arimpara (Dir: Murali Nair)
- O.V. Vijayan (Dir: K.M. Madhusoodanan)
- O.V. Vijayan (Dir: Thankachan V.P.)
- O.V. Vijayan (Dir: Geethu Baburaj)
- Khasakkinte Seshippukal (Dir: Shanavas M.A.)
- Sandehiyude Samvadadoorangal (Dir: Viju Varma)
- Thasrakkilekk oru Yathra (Dir: Harikrishnan V. Nair)
- O.V. Vijayan (Dir: T.V.G. Menon)
- Tribute to O.V. Vijayan (Dir: V.K. Rajan)
- Epic Land of Khasak (Dir: Cherai Ramadas)
Khasak Shilpavanam — Rock Garden
A cluster of 108 granite sculptures organised around Njattupura, depicting characters and scenes from Khasakkinte Itihasam. Sculpted by renowned artists V.K. Rajan, Joseph M. Varghese, Johnson Mathew, and Ho Chi Minh in an unparalleled camaraderie — the first such cultural complex in Kerala. Supported by Kerala Lalithakala Academy and Palakkad District Tourism Promotion Council.
Pavilions
Three pavilions named after Vijayan's novels — Gurusagaram, Dharmapuranam, and Madhuram Gayathi — offering visitors restful spaces for reflection and conversation amidst the memorial grounds. Three more pavilions are planned: Khasakkinte Itihasam, Pravachakante Vazhi, and Thalamurakal.
Thasrak Photo Gallery
Fifty photographs by Vaikkom D. Manoj capturing the natural beauty of Thasrak and the locations described in Khasakkinte Itihasam — 'Threads from the Loom of Seasons'. A visual journey through the landscapes that inspired the legendary novel.
Intonation of O.V. Vijayan
Right from the entrance, Vijayan's voice comes alive with your footsteps — a unique sound installation that fills the memorial pathways with his recorded words. A tonal presence that is indeed a singular experience, setting this memorial apart from all others.
The O.V. Vijayan Smaraka Samiti — constituted by the Government of Kerala to develop and manage the memorial at Thasrak.
A record of the infrastructure development undertaken by the O.V. Vijayan Smaraka Samiti from 2017 to 2021, transforming Thasrak into an international-standard cultural and literary destination.
Khasak Shilpavanam (Rock Garden)
108 sculptures by 4 renowned sculptors over 15 days, with support from Kerala Lalithakala Academy and District Tourism Promotion Council.
Video on Demand Theatre
Projector, screen, air conditioning, and 200+ hours of curated audiovisual content about O.V. Vijayan.
Landscaping
Complete greening of memorial premises with trees and lawns.
Internal Roads
Pathways connecting the seminar hall, Arabikkulam, and all memorial sections.
Photo Gallery
50 photographs by K.R. Vinayan, Ashraf Malayali, and Bijuraj installed in Njattupura.
Cartoon Gallery
40 famous cartoons of O.V. Vijayan exhibited in Njattupura.
Sandehangal Art Gallery
14 paintings by distinguished artists at the memorial painting camp, displayed in the seminar hall.
Seminar Hall Facilities
PA system, recording system, projector, screen, stage equipment, and 200 chairs.
Office Facilities
Furniture, computers, printer, file racks, and office space in the seminar hall wing.
Surveillance System
16-camera CCTV system for memorial security.
Vazhiyambalam (Wayfarer's Inn)
Symbolic wayfarer's inn at the main road with Khasak Memorial Gateway. Inaugurated by Cultural Affairs Minister.
Pavilions
Three pavilions named Dharmapuranam, Gurusagaram, and Madhuram Gayathi.
O.V. Vijayan Statue
Bronze statue of O.V. Vijayan, donated by Ahalya Heritage Village. Unveiled by Cultural Affairs Minister on 11 September 2017.
Letter Gallery
Collected copies of Vijayan's letters to friends, displayed in a dedicated gallery.
Research Library & Corner
Books by and about O.V. Vijayan, along with articles and research papers.
Solar Power Plant
3 KW solar power plant to reduce electricity costs and promote sustainable energy.
Mural Gallery
12 mural works by 10 prominent mural artists, sponsored by Kerala Lalithakala Academy.
Building Complex
New buildings housing the O.V. Vijayan Library, Photo Gallery, Letter Gallery, Cartoon Gallery, Novel Illustration Gallery, Gift Shop, Bookshop, and Cafeteria. Inaugurated by Cultural Affairs Minister.
Khasak Calligraphy Gallery
30 calligraphy pieces by Artist Bhathiri depicting passages from Khasakkinte Itihasam.
Thasrak Photo Gallery
50 photographs of Thasrak by Vaikkom D. Manoj.
Khasak Memorial Gateway
Mural relief gateway designed by Artist Manikandan Punnakkal, depicting scenes from Vijayan's works.
Land Acquisition
104 cents of land purchased adjacent to the memorial for the Writers' Village project.
Arabikkulam Renovation
Renovation of the historic Arabikkulam pond, restoring it to its literary and cultural significance.
Writers' Village (Under Construction)
Funded by the Tourism Department — includes 8 cottages for writers, a dormitory for 50, tree houses, open stage, gardens, and a gateway. Foundation stone laid.
An extensive plan to transform Thasrak into a memorial of international excellence — a beacon of literary and cultural heritage.
Writers' Village & Residency
Cottages where writers can stay and capture the ambience of Thasrak. Includes 8 cottages with bedrooms, writing rooms, and living rooms — plus a dormitory accommodating 50 persons, tree houses, open stage, and lush gardens.
O.V. Vijayan Museum
A museum to house the immortal remains, personal belongings, and memorabilia of the writer — preserving his legacy for future generations.
Reference Library
A comprehensive research library with all works by and about O.V. Vijayan, accessible to scholars, researchers, and the public.
Cultural Exchange Programmes
Partnerships with universities and cultural bodies for academic exchanges, joint seminars, and collaborative research on O.V. Vijayan's literary contributions.
Workshops & Literary Events
Regular seminars, lectures, exhibitions, award ceremonies, and creative workshops centring on O.V. Vijayan's works and legacy.
O.V. Vijayan Bookshop
A dedicated stall where all of O.V. Vijayan's works — novels, story collections, essays, translations, and related publications — will be available for visitors.