India prepares for art festival

The popular colonial port city of Kochi, once the centre of India's spice trade, is to hold an international festival of artwork depicting its evocative past.

This year's first ever Kochi-Muziris Biennale looks back at the history of Kochi and its fabled origins in the mysterious ancient sea town of Muziris.

Set to become one of India's biggest and most exciting art events, it is listed as one of Forbes top 13 cultural events in the world.

With exhibitions in multiple locations in Kochi and its nearby islands, the works - by some 80 different artists - have been lent by more than 35 different nations.

Prestigious international guests have been invited from the UK, Australia, Portugal, Germany, France and Brazil.

The show, starting on December 12, will last for three months. It is expected to appeal to international tourists, with similar events held in Venice, Istanbul, Sydney and Havana.