04-07-2025
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.
