Established in 1971, by the Congregation of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate. Chavara Cultural Centre-Kochi, a voluntary, non-sectarian, non political institution for study and service, is devoted to the synthesis and development of art and culture and promotion of faith in God and human brotherhood. This organization has always been in the forefront, organizing programs to prepare the youth to face the challenges of life boldly. The Centre has been named after the great missionary Blessed Cyriac Elias Chavara, the founder of C.M.I. Congregation.

Chavara Cultural Centre is run under the supervision of CMI congregation of priests who manage over 200 educational institutions all over India, including prestigious colleges like Christ College Bangalore, S.H.College Thevara Kochi, Rajagiri Institutions Kalamasserry, St. Josephs College Devagiri Kozhikode etc.