Kathakali festival begins on Pampa’s banks

The banks of the Pampa in Cherukolpuzha, Pathanamthitta, will resonate with the rhythms of Kathakali for an entire week as the 19th Kathakali Festival, organised by the Pathanamthitta District Kathakali Club, kicked off at Ayiroor Kathakali Gramam on Monday.

Renowned filmmaker Blessy inaugurated the festival at a function presided over by T. Prasad Kailath, president of the Kahakali Club. Ranni MLA, Pramod Narayanan delivered the keynote address. The festival promises a rich lineup of performances, including Nalacharitham (Day One),Rukmangada Charitham, Kirmeeravadham, Thoranayudham, Rajasooyam (Vadakkan style), Kamsavadham, and Utharaswayamvaram, with shows commencing daily at 6.30 PM.

The inauguration ceremony began at 10 a.m. with Blessy officially opening the festival. During the event, the 25th Natyabharathi Award, instituted by the District Kathakali Club, was presented to acclaimed Kathakali vocalist Kalamandalam Vinod. A three-day international seminar on Kathakali will also be held as part of the celebrations.

Ayiroor panchayat has long embraced Kathakali as a vital part of its cultural identity, introducing a Kathakali education programme in all lower primary schools within its jurisdiction. Officially renamed Ayiroor Kathakali Gramam, the village is known for its rich tradition of artists from the Thekkan Chitta (southern school) of Kathakali, particularly the Kaplingadan style.

According to the panchayat, nearly 70% of the local population are familiar with the basics of this classical dance-drama.