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Bringing Kathakali closer to layman

Makarajyothi, the annual souvenir brought out by Thamarakulangara Sree Dharmasasta Temple, Thripunithura, as part of the temple festivities, is a peep into the wonderful art form of Kathakali, the classical art that has come to symbolise the State.

Kathakali artistes, Kathakali critics and academicians in the field have contributed articles in the souvenir, making it a worthy read for any Kathakali aficionado.

Starting with the history of Kathakali, its music and percussion accompaniments, various roles donned in the performance and its evolution through the ages are discussed in detail in the souvenir. For those who are new to this art from, the souvenir will give a background about the costumes, the face make-up and the headgear of the characters for the stories primarily picked from the ancient texts.

It also has articles that focus on the entry of women into this field that has been considered a male bastion for long. An interview with Chavara Parukutty, one of the pioneering women who have donned a Kathakali vesham, describes the role that women have played in this classical art form. Also of note is the contribution by an American dancer, who learnt Kathakali and popularised it abroad along with Yoga.

The temple committee has been making the annual publication an important socio-cultural book that is preserved by the readers.

This is the eighth year of publication of the souvenir.

Shyama Rajagopal

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