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In honour of a Kathakali exponent

A novel percussion ensemble, in which more than 500 artistes will participate, will be the highlight of the valedictory programme of the Navathi celebrations of the Kathakali exponent Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair at Cheliya, near here, on Monday.

Kalamandalam Sivadas, who has conceptualised the rare ensemble as a tribute to the guru, says the last `kaalam' of `Pancharimelam' will be the focus of the percussionists trained under different teachers. The participating artistes are from Kozhikode and Kannur districts.

There will be 90 artistes each on `edanthala,' `valamthala,' `elathalam,' `kombhu' and `kuzhal.'

Cheliya is the birthplace of the guru, and the celebrations, organised by Cheliya Kathakali Vidyalayam, began on April 3.

Bharat Gopi, actor, will inaugurate the valedictory programme. P.K.S. Raja, scion of the erstwhile ruling family of Zamorin, will adorn Kunhiraman Nair with a golden crown.

The Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academi executive committee member Kavil P. Madhavan will honour Kunhiraman Nair with a `ponnada.'

K.V. Subbash, convener of the celebrations, says other programmes at the valedictory session include Natya Vismayam, Nadana Vismayam and Gana Vismayam.

A 10-day Kathakali camp for students was organised as part of the celebrations. Staging of Asthapadiyattom, Thullal Thrayam, Mohiniyattom and a Sanskrit play, Karnabharanam, were some of the programmes.

A seminar on `Kaliyarangile Krishna Sanidhyam' was held on April 8. On April 10, an artistes' get-together was held followed by a cultural programme conducted by them.

A tribute to Kalamandalam Hyderali on April 12 formed part of the celebrations.

Maleeha Raghaviah

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