Latest news with #Kalamandalam
New Indian Express
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
‘Thiruvona Mahatmyam', kathakali on the legend of Onam, to be performed today
KOCHI: A new kathakali play based on the legend behind Thiruvonam, the cultural festival of Kerala, will be staged at Kalikotta Palace in Tripunithura on Sunday. The play written by P K Unnikrishnan Namboothiri, of Puthuvamana, Arayankavu in Ernakulam district has been choreographed by the teachers at Kerala Kalamandalam. The Kalamandalam troupe led by Kalamandalam Ravikumar will perform the play at Tripunithura. 'The play was written in 2022 and the first performance was at Kalamandalam. Later it was staged at Trikkakara temple also. The play named 'Thiruvona Mahatmyam' tells the legend behind the Onam festival, and the story has been sourced from Vamana Purranam,' said Unnikrishnan Namboothiri. The story starts with Bali addressing his Asura court after capturing the heavens. Sukracharya, the Guru of Asuras advises Bali to seek the blessings of his grandfather Prahlada to establish his kingdom and rule the three worlds. Prahlada, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu advises Bali to adhere to Dharma. The rule of Bali brings righteousness and equality in the world and people start adoring him. Meanwhile Aditi, mother of the Devas approaches Kashyapa to save her children who have been banished from heaven. On Kashyapa's advice she starts meditating Lord Vishnu who assures to reincarnate and save the Devas. As Mahabali performs Viswajit Yaga, Mahavishnu arrives there as Vamana and asks three steps of land. As Bali agrees, Vamana grows in size and measures the whole of earth and heaven in two steps. When Vamana asks where he should measure the third step, Mahabali shows his head and Vamana banishes him to netherworld, after granting a boon to visit his people every year. 'In the first part, Mahabali appears in 'Kathi' vesham, the attire of villainous character, and later transforms into Pacha vesham which represents 'Satvika' after turning virtuous,' said Unnikrishnan.
New Indian Express
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
‘Difficult to stay away from stage', Kalamandalam Gopi set for a comeback
KOCHI: Four months after announcing his decision to retire from the stage, Kalamandalam Gopi, the doyen of Kathakali, is all set to return to the stage. He will be performing as Kuchela in 'Kuchelavritham' at Evoor Major Sri Krishna Temple near Kayamkulam on September 14, Ashtami Rohini Day. 'After retiring from stage I have been receiving invitations from kathakali lovers across the state. But I am not able to perform as I cannot stand for more than five minutes due to acute pain in my knees. I accepted this invitation as the programme is on Ashtami Rohini day, the birthday of Lord Krishna and the character is that of Kuchela. I cannot perform Pacha (Satvika) roles as it is difficult to wear the heavy headgear and elaborate costumes. The role of Kuchela is simple as the only costume is a dhoti. The character has to walk through the aisle and can sit beside Krishna for the rest of the play,' said the 88-year-old artist. Born at Kothachira in Palakkad district in 1937, Kalamandalam Gopi, has been celebrated as the evergreen hero of kathakali and has been active on stage for seven decades, popularising the traditional artform and winning fans across the globe. After graduating from Kalamandalam at the age of 20, Gopi joined the institution as a teacher and retired as principal in 1992. He has been honoured with Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Kerala Sangeet Nataka Akademi Award, Kalamandalam Fellowship and the Kalidas Samman (2011). He acted in three movies and renowned director Adoor Gopalakrishnan has made a documentary on his life. His last performance was at Kottakkal Viswambhara temple in April 2024, where he played the role of Kuchela. The last elaborate performance was at Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple where he portrayed Bahuka in 'Nalacharitham.' 'It is difficult for an artist to stay away from stage. I want to continue but health issues are causing difficulties. I won't say the programme at Evoor will be my last performance, but I have not accepted any other invitation. I have some age-related difficulties and cannot travel often,' said Gopi Asan.
The Hindu
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
International Festival of Kutiyattam begins on July 29
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.
The Hindu
14-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Vaidyaratnam's collaboration with foreign universities will benefit Ayurveda: Balagopal
Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal underscored the growing global presence of Ayurveda and pointed out that securing international certification remains one of the major challenges facing the traditional medical system. He was speaking after inaugurating the Vaidyaratnam Founder's Day celebrations here recently. 'Ayurveda must focus on scientific manufacturing of medicines and greater integration with modern science,' stated Mr. Balagopal. He noted that Vaidyaratnam's collaboration with the US-based Johns Hopkins University will significantly enhance the global stature of Ayurveda. The Minister also reiterated the State government's support for such initiatives and praised Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala, founded in 1941, for its pivotal role in popularising Ayurveda. Prof. Dr. B. Ananthakrishnan, Vice Chancellor of Kalamandalam, delivered the Ashtavaidyan E.T. Neelakandhan Mooss commemorative address, emphasising the historic connection between art and healing in Kerala. He remarked that both fields share well-defined methodologies and advocated for Ayurveda to be recognised as a viable alternative to dominant Western medical practices, commending Vaidyaratnam's efforts in this direction. Ashtavaidyan Dr. E.T. Neelakandhan Mooss, Managing Director of Vaidyaratnam Group, highlighted the resurgence of Marma Chikitsa and Yoga Therapy, once considered lost traditions. He encouraged experts and students to recognise the contemporary relevance of Marma Chikitsa, noting its potential to further invigorate Ayurveda. The programme also featured a panel discussion on 'Marma and Orthopaedics: Exploring the Intersection of Traditional and Modern Practices.'
