International Festival of Kutiyattam begins on

To commemorate 60 years of Kutiyattam’s institutional journey, the Department of Kutiyattam at the Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed to be University for Art & Culture is organising the International Festival of Kutiyattam (IFK-2025). This landmark event celebrates the classical Sanskrit theatre’s legacy and its evolution within a public academic institution since its formal inclusion in Kalamandalam six decades ago.

The festival will be held at Kalamandalam campus, Cheruthuruthy, from July 29 to August 2, 2025.

Over the last sixty years Kerala Kalamandalam has significantly contributed to the sustenance of the world’s oldest living Sanskrit theatre tradition, nationally and internationally, through its repertoire and academic excellence.

The five-day event brings together practitioners, scholars, and enthusiasts from across the world.

The festival will be inaugurated by by eminent dancer Padma Subrahmanyam on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the presence of B. Ananthakrishnan, Vice-Chancellor of Kerala Kalamandalam, P. Rajeshkumar, Registrar, and a gathering of distinguished artists and scholars. The opening day will also include a seminar session on Natyashastra, setting the tone for the academic depth and artistic excellence that define the festival.

Major Highlights of IFK-2025 include daily performances by leading Kutiyattam artists including Padmasree Kalamandalam Sivan Nambuthiri, Kalamandalam Ramachakyar, Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar, Kalamandalam Girija, Kalamandalam Eswaranunni, Usha Nangiar and Kapila.

There will academic sessions with the participation of experts. Guru Painkulam Ramachakyar Memorial Day will be observed on July 31, commemorating the late guru’s impact on the art form with a floral tribute, memorial conference, and performances.

As the world’s oldest surviving Sanskrit theatre tradition, Kutiyattam occupies a unique place in global heritage. Its preservation owes much to cultural pioneers like Guru Painkulam Ramachakyar and institutions like Kerala Kalamandalam, whose rigorous training programmes, academic inquiry, and curated performances keep the art alive and relevant.