Festivities in the time of peace
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`Kannur Maholsavam' showcased the cultural and historical heritage of Kannur.
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A riveting display of Kalaripayattu.
THE FIVE-DAY `Kannur Maholsavam' organised for showcasing the cultural and historical heritage of Kannur could not have been held at a more appropriate time as the entire district is now basking in the festive spirit of the Theyyam season.
The peaceful atmosphere that has been prevailing in the district for the past few years has also imbued the festival with an added sense of social harmony and camaraderie.
Tourist potential
This year's Kannur Maholavam, which concluded on February 24, highlighted the tourist potential of the culture and history of Kannur, including its colonial heritage.
"The idea of organising a festival came up when I learnt that Fort St. Angelo in Kannur was celebrating 500 years," said the organising committee chairman and District Collector, K.S. Srinivas. The open stage erected at the Collectorate Maidan, where the main cultural functions were held, resembled a fortress.
`Mamankam,' on the first day of the festival, was a visual feast. A variety of art forms ranging from Kathakali and Mohiniyattam to Theyyam and Padayani were performed. The inaugural cultural bonanza was rounded off by a Jugalbandi led by Gopika Varma.
Mimicry and cinematic dance programmes of Cochin Kala Bhavan, entertainment programmes by college students in the district, classical music programme by Kaithapram Damodaran Namboodiri, dance performances by artistes of Kerala Kala Mandalam and Bharat Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, and concerts drew large crowds.
Demonstration of traditional martial arts on Payyambalam beach also attracted many people.
Exhibition
The Central Archaeology Department, which is in charge of the fort, organised an exhibition of photos and paintings of archaeological sites across the country during the festival.
`Kannur Kazhchakal,' a photo and painting exhibition organised by the District Tourism Promotion Council at the Town Hall in Kannur also had its share of visitors. The peace, it appears, has come to stay.
MOHAMED NAZEER
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