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The Hindu
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi to host National Percussion Festival in Thrissur from July 11
The Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi is all set to host its first-ever National Percussion Festival, titled Thathinthakathom, in Thrissur from July 11 to 13. The event will bring together diverse percussion traditions from across the country, offering a grand celebration of rhythm, sound, and tradition under one roof. Curated by Keli Ramachandran, the festival aims at spotlighting rhythm as a powerful cultural, artistic, and political expression—not just performance but dialogue, identity, and resistance. The festival is held as a tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain, whose impact on the world of rhythm continues to inspire. Zakir Hussain memorial The inaugural ceremony will be held at KT Muhammed Theatre at 5.30 p.m. on July 11. Revenue Minister K. Rajan will inaugurate the event. Poet and lyricist B.K. Harinarayanan will deliver a memorial speech on Ustad Zakir Hussain. Akademi chairman and percussion maestro Mattannur Sankarankutty will preside. 'This is a historic milestone for the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi—the first-ever percussion festival in its 67-year history. When I took over as chairman, I made a promise to the percussion community, and through this festival, I am fulfilling that commitment,' said Mr. Sankarankutty. The three-day festival will feature native percussion performances such as Chenda Melam, Panchavadyam, Thayambaka, Mizhavu, Maddalam, Kombu Pattu, Thappattam and Kartal, along with percussion performances of other States. There will be insightful lecture demonstrations and short film screenings. Penkaalangal Women percussionists, historically underrepresented in many percussion traditions, will perform at the event. The session, Penkaalangal on July 12, will feature all-women ensembles and talks led by stalwarts like Amritavarshini (Thavil), Mukta Raste (Tabla), and Nandini Varma (Thayambaka), among others. Sukanya Ramgopal, known for breaking gender barriers in Ghatam, will perform at 7.45 p.m. on on July 12. The closing event, Chairman's Symphony, led by Mr. Sankarankutty, will be held at 7.35 p.m. on on July 13. 'The festival is a dream project of the akademi. Conceived as a platform carrying a deeply political message, it brings together percussion artistes from diverse sections of society. By placing women and transgender artistes at the heart of the festival, we are affirming its core message,' said Karivellur Murali, akademi secretary. Pre-festival events include seminars in collaboration with the Kerala Kalamandalam and School of Drama exploring the rhythmic heritage in Kathakali and cinema. With sessions across three venues—Black Box Theatre, Actor Murali Theatre, and K.T. Muhammed Theatre—the festival offers free entry. A delegate registration at ₹100 via the akademi's official website is also available. Only the first 200 registrants will receive delegate kits and meal coupons.
New Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Feel the beat! Thrissur Pooram draws the best out of melam
THRISSUR : While the village of Peruvanam in Thrissur district is considered the birthplace of melam (traditional festival percussion), Thrissur Pooram has long been the platform that thrills percussion lovers from across the globe. The overwhelming crowd that witnesses the Elanjithara melam, organised by the Paramekkavu Devaswom, serves as ample proof. Besides pandi melam, the festival showcases the best of panchavadyam and panchari melam during the 30-hour-long celebrations. When the sun rises on Tuesday, the Thekkinkad Maidan will host an array of percussion performances, of different varieties, led by some of the most prominent artists in Kerala. Kizhakkoot Aniyan Marar, the pramani (lead artist) for Elanjithara melam, says it is a blessing of the goddess to be able to lead the grand ensemble. Having been performing for the Paramekkavu temple for around 36 years, this is the third time he is leading the melam. 'Around 250 artists will participate in the Elanjithara melam. There won't be any space to stand in rows if we increase the number beyond that. The melam will last around four hours,' Aniyan tells TNIE. Cheranellur Sankarankutty Marar, the pramani for the Madathil Varavu of Thiruvambady Bhagavathy, is of the opinion that the melam for Thiruvambady should get equal importance.'Both are pandi melams, though performed by different people. It is high time Madathil Varavu and its melam received due attention,' Sankarankutty says. He says it is his friendship, rather brotherhood, with Aniyan Marar that gave him a role in Thrissur Pooram. 'Though I have led the melam at many temple festivals across Kerala, the position of a pramani in Thrissur Pooram is special,' Sankarankutty says, adding that it is the people who make the pooram such a grand celebration. The Thrissur Pooram has 10 temples participating including the main organisers, Thiruvambady Devaswom and Paramekkavu Devaswom. The day begins with the procession of Kanimangalam Sastha, followed by those of all other temples involved in the ghataka pooram. While the procession from the respective temples begin either with nada pandi, panchavadyam, or nadaswaram, every deity switches to pandi melam once they enter the Thekkinkadu Maidan. 'What makes the rhythm of melam to enthuse people around the world is the fact that it connects easily to our body, mind, and heart,' says Arun, a volunteer among the pooram coordinators.
