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The Hindu
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Kudumbashree's ‘Jana Galsa' to give tribal art forms a new lease of life
The Kudumbashree mission has launched a new initiative 'Jana Galsa' in an attempt to breathe new life into tribal art forms of the State. Jana Galsa, which means people's celebration in the Paniya tribal language, is intended to transform indigenous art forms into viable enterprises that can ensure livelihood for the tribal people and bring them income. It will be used as a medium for public awareness campaigns and even integrated into school curricula. The first phase of the project involves creation of a comprehensive directory of tribal art forms and artistes across the State through a survey, to be conducted through animators who belong to the Scheduled Tribes. The survey is expected to be completed by August 20. The Kudumbashree plans to set up a State-level consortium that incorporates the art forms that have been revitalised and transform them into models that can generate better employment and income. The project also aims at using the tribal arts forms for bring about changes in the curricula. Steps will be taken in association with the General Education department to include tribal art, culture, rituals and traditions, and indigenous cuisine into the curriculum to make the younger generation aware of their lives. The initiative will also be linked to anti-drug campaigns and other social awareness drives. The Kudumbashree's theatre group Rangashree, along with cultural tourism centres, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, Kerala Institute for Research Training and Development Studies of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (KIRTADS), and the Folklore Academy will also support the project.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
A thunderous finale to the National Percussion Festival
The concluding day of the three-day National Percussion Festival on Sunday offered a resounding feast for the senses, leaving percussion enthusiasts thoroughly enthralled. It was an experience that surpassed even the grandeur of Thrissur Pooram as the country's most celebrated percussion maestros converged on a single stage across various sessions. The atmosphere echoed like a thunderstorm of beats, marking a truly unforgettable conclusion to the festival. The final day programmes began with a stunning performance of Pandi Melam by Peruvanam Kuttan Marar and his ensemble. As early as morning, rhythm aficionados began flowing into the Actor Murali Theatre, drawn by the sheer anticipation of experiencing the majestic power of Mr. Marar's artistry. Once the melam began, the entire gallery was engulfed in rhythm. Some of them closed their eyes and sank into deep, meditative immersion, while others could not resist joining the beat, nodding heads, swaying arms, completely absorbed in the pulsating energy. The spectators did not just watch; they felt the performance. The dynamic intensity radiating from the stage reached straight into their hearts. 130 percussionists The power of Pandi Melam lies in its unbridled rawness, what performers describe as a celebration of wilderness through rhythm. The most captivating feature of the Pandi Melam is its use of the 'kolumpal' technique, which magnifies its primal appeal. A total of 130 percussionists joined in, delivering a thunderous performance that left the audience in awe. Another highlight of the final day was a panel discussion titled 'Thaalagopurangal: Rhythm and Cultural History,' held in the Black Box venue. Moderated by N.P. Vijayakrishnan, the session brought together percussion legends across Kerala's major rhythm traditions. On Sunday, the thayambaka performance drew percussion lovers from across the State to the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi grounds, many arriving solely to witness this rhythmic spectacle. Led by Kalloor Ramankutty and his ensemble, the performance unfolded the infinite possibilities of thayambaka, weaving a spellbinding tapestry of rhythm that resonated through the atmosphere. Beginning in a subdued tempo, the pace gradually intensified, culminating in a breathtaking crescendo that left the audience spellbound. Dynamic experience A total of 68 percussionists took part in the performance, under the direction of 22 master percussionists, creating a dynamic and immersive rhythmic experience. The audience responded in unison, not just as spectators, but as co-travellers in a powerful journey through rhythm and tempo. Bhoospandanagal, a Jugalbandhi performed by Sukhad Munde, Tejovrush Joshi and Santhosh Khande drew attention. The festival concluded with a breathtaking performance, Chairman's Symphony, led by akademi chairperson Mattannur Sankarankutty. The National Percussion Festival, organised by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, was an unprecedented cultural triumph, said akademi secretary Karivellur Murali. 'Held as a tribute to tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, the festival, titled 'Thathinthakathom,' made history as the first of its kind percussion-only festival in Kerala. Over 1,000 artistes took part in it, performing in front of a combined audience of nearly 5,000 percussion lovers. Despite being held during the monsoon, every performance unfolded before packed audiences, a testament to the festival's magnetic pull,' he said.
The Hindu
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Echoes of empowerment: ‘Penkaalangal' resonates at National Percussion Festival
A session titled 'Pennkaalangal,' meaning 'female rhythms,' drew a packed audience at the K.T. Muhammed Theatre on the second day of the National Percussion Festival on Saturday organised by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi. The session opened with a captivating address by Mohiniyattam exponent and scholar Deepti Omchery Bhalla, who brought alive the poetic beauty of Mohiniyattam's padavarnnas, joined in soulful vocal support by Suprabha from Kerala Kalamandalam. Amritavarshini, a bold presence in the male-dominated thavil tradition, led a vibrant ensemble titled Yuvathaalatharangam. Her powerful performance set the stage pulsing. The akademi's platform was more than a stage—it was a resounding endorsement of Ms. Amritavarshini's rhythmic breakthrough in a patriarchal domain. Change and revival Adding to the tapestry of resistance and reclamation was Margamkali, once the bastion of male performers. With Akhila Joshi, Sibi Paul, and team at the helm, the presentation was a declaration of change and revival. From the traditionally male-dominated art of Thullal, a powerful performance by Kalamandalam Sharmila and troupe took centre stage, turning the form into a space for gender assertion and narrative justice. In the tabla segment, Mumbai's Mukta Raste proved that rhythm knows no gender. Her commanding tabla recital, accompanied by Santosh Ghande on harmonium, was yet another resonant statement of female prowess. The session culminated with an exhilarating thayambaka led by Nandini Varma and team. At a time when women were absent from chenda performances, Ms. Varma carved a niche through sheer dedication and grit. Her journey mirrored the struggles and triumphs of countless women percussionists. Pennkaalangal was not just a session. It was the akademi's heartfelt recognition of women percussionists, a rhythmic rebellion against patriarchy, and an ode to every woman who dared to beat the drum and reclaim her space. The second day of the percussion festival began with a stirring performance that defied time and age. The stage at the Actor Murali Theatre came alive with the majestic rhythms of Panchari Melam, led by none other than 80-year-old Therozhi Ramakuruppu and his ensemble. Youthful zest With a vibrant spirit that belied his age, Mr. Ramakuruppu took the chenda and began the performance with youthful zest. As the first beats echoed across the theatre, the sonic and visual splendour of the Melam captivated both eyes and hearts. Arriving at the venue early in the morning, Mr. Ramakuruppu was warmly welcomed by the akademi chairperson Mattannur Sankarankutty and secretary Karivellur Murali, who escorted him to the stage with due honour. True to its classical form, Panchari Melam unfolded in five rhythmic phases. It began in a slow tempo and gradually progressed, reaching a thunderous climax in the fifth phase. Each phase was helmed by master percussionists: Cheranallur Sankarankutty Marar, Tiruvalla Radhakrishna Marar, Porur Haridas, and Vellithiruthi Unni Nair led the second to fifth segments. The ensemble included chenda led by maestro Kizhakkoot Kuttan Marar, kurumkuzhal led by Panamanna Manoharan, kombu by Unni Nair, and ilathalam by Asiad Shashi, along with their respective teams. A remarkable 118 percussionists took the stage together in perfect unison, turning the performance into a living sculpture of sound and motion. With every synchronised beat, the crowd was drawn deeper into the spirit of the Melam. The powerful performance was not just heard—it was felt.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Honouring percussion traditions, National Rhythm Festival kicks off in Thrissur
Thrissur: National Rhythm Festival, organized by Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, got off to a colourful start on Friday with the presentation of 'Idakka Vismayam', a percussion ensemble by six leading artists in the field led by Peringottu Subramanyan. The ensemble began with gentle rhythmic murmurs that gradually blossomed into thunderous crescendos. They played crowd-favourite melodies as well as devotional and a few western tunes too. It was followed by the presentation of Melappadam, by Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan and his ensemble, providing an unforgettable and soul-stirring experience. The musical journey began with the tenderness of the vaypattu, slowly awakening through the bold strikes of the chenda, and finally deepening in grandeur with the resonance of the maddalam. The third session on the opening day was the rare presentation of 'Double Thayambaka' on the mizhavu by renowned artists led by Kalamandalam Rajeev and Kalamandalam Vineesh. Akademi chairman Mattannur Sankarankutty formally inaugurated the festival by playing the thappu. The three-day festival is conceived as a tribute to the legendary tabla player Ustad Zakir Hussain , whose mastery over the percussion instrument has captivated the world for decades. A key highlight of the festival is the celebration of women percussionists. The festival, claimed to be first of its kind in the 67-year history of Akademi, will play host to a special session titled Penkaalangal (feminine tempos) Rhythmic traditions from across India, including the desert rhythms of the khartal, traditional folk percussion, lecture demonstrations, diverse performances, and short film screenings, are also forming part of the festival.
The Hindu
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Three-day National Percussion Festival kicks off in Thrissur
The National Percussion Festival — titled Thathinthakathom — organised by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi began on a rousing note in Thrissur on Friday. Dedicated to the legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain, this is Kerala's first-ever national-level percussion festival, showcasing a wide range of Indian rhythm traditions over three vibrant days. Although the akademi has been organising numerous programmes dedicated to music and theatre, this is the first time a grand festival has been exclusively curated to celebrate percussion, said Mattannur Sankarankutty, Chairman of the akademi. 'The percussion festival is a magnificent confluence that showcases a rich variety of percussion instruments that form the backbone of the State's rhythmic heritage. Designed like a string of beautiful pearls, the festival seamlessly weaves together Kerala's native percussion traditions with other indigenous and national percussion forms, representing a vibrant tapestry of India's diverse rhythm cultures to the world,' he said. This historic event brings together diverse percussion traditions from across India, offering a grand celebration of rhythm, sound, and tradition under one roof. Actor Murali Theatre was packed with rhythm enthusiasts from morning itself. Designed as a unique blend of melody and rhythm, a soulful Idakka performance led by Peringode Subrahmanian and team opened the three-day festival. Beginning with the resonant call of the conch, the performance evoked a range of emotions and expressions, captivating the hall. When rhythm beats from the heart, its energy moves the entire body—and that was precisely the experience of Melappadam performed by Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan and team. Melappadam brought together melodic instruments and percussion in perfect synergy. More than just a percussion performance, Melappadam became an immersive musical experience that left the audience moved and inspired. In an electrifying celebration of rhythm, the performance Double Thayambaka on Mizhavu captured the hearts of percussion lovers. Every beat reached the hearts of the audience, offering a rare chance to witness the intricate beauty and power of Kerala's percussion heritage up close. The afternoon sessions featured Sinkari Melam by the Kollannur Aattam Kala Samiti followed by presentations and explanations of rhythmic patterns in Arjuna Nritham and Garudanthookkam. Tribal percussion performances by Malappulaya tribe of Idukki and Irular tribe of Attappady were a different experience. It was followed by the traditional Muttum Viliyum art form led by Ustad Muhammed and team. The festival was formally inaugurated by Akademi Chairman Mattannur Sankarankutty by performing 'Thappu', a traditional percussion instrument. Akademi governing committee member T.R. Ajayan presided. Poet and lyricist B.K. Harinarayanan delivered a remembrance speech on Ustad Zakir Hussain. Festival curator Keli Ramachandran outlined the vision of the event. Sangeetha Natka Akademi secretary Karivellur Murali, Lalithakala Akademi chairman Murali Cheeroth, percussion maestro Pervanam Kuttan Marar also spoke. Thappattam, a folk dance from Tamil Nadu, performed by Thirunangai Tamilini followed the inaugural function. Kartal, the desert rhythm, by Muhammad Rafiq and Shaheer Khan and Kombupattu by Odakkali Murali and team followed. The first day programme culminated in a specially choreographed percussion performance by Mattannur Sankarankutty and group. A short film on Ustad Zakir Hussain was also screened.
