11-07-2025
More than aesthetics, percussion festival is a dialogue of struggle and change: Keli Ramachandran
Every art form is a political dialogue. That is why every history of art is intrinsically linked to the history of society. The National Percussion Festival, spanning from folk traditions to popular culture, expresses stories of struggle, not just aesthetics. Art constantly evolves with time and it is with this awareness that this festival has been curated, says Keli Ramachandran, culture enthusiast and curator of the three-day festival organised by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi.
'In the world of rhythm, every beat holds a history – even the one that may not always be linked to formal structures of art or aesthetic traditions. Often, it is more deeply tied to human labour, survival, and everyday life. From the primal Thudi to the popular cultural expression of Shinkari Melam, the spectrum of rhythm is not just a musical journey, it is a record of human history. It is in this spirit of deeper recognition that the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi is hosting the first National Percussion Festival,' he says. The event began here on Friday and will continue till Sunday.
By bringing together diverse percussion traditions from across the country, the Akademi aims to reach a broader audience, especially those who rarely get the chance to experience these art forms up close.
While Kerala boasts of a rich heritage of percussion ensembles, mainstream festivals often fail to offer inclusive or accessible platforms to witness these programmes, particularly for women audience. The proscenium stage offers a clear, focussed space where every artist, every gesture, and every nuance is visible and celebrated.
'The festival's greatest strength lies in the active participation of women percussionists, artists who have carved their own path in a traditionally male-dominated field. They bring with them not just skill, but the power of perseverance, making this event not just a showcase of rhythm, but a celebration of inclusion, resilience, and transformation within the world of percussion arts,' Mr. Ramachandran points out.
