Author: IKKF

Kalyanasougandhikam  Bheeman, the mighty son of Vayu (God of Wind), is having a pleasant time with his wife Panchaali in the forest when she is enchanted by the smell of a flower carried by the breeze. When Panchaali requests Bheeman if he can fetch more such (Sougandhika) flowers for her, the valorous Bheeman sets out in search of them. Hanuman, Bheeman’s elder brother, in order to chasten Bheeman for his arrogance, takes the form of a frail, old monkey and lies down blocking Bheeman’s way. An entertaining altercation ensues, at the end of which Bheeman realizes his folly and apologizes…

An ensemble of chenda drummers accompanied by ilathaalam (heavy brass cymbals) that create cascading rhythmic patterns which, with their ever increasing crescendos, transport the audience into a rapturous frenzy. Kallur Ramankutty Marar  Born to Kallur Marath Kunchumarar and Madhavikkutty Marasiar in 1952, Ramankutty Marar trained in chenda under Mankurissi Neelakantamarar (Appamarar). He trained in panchavaadyam under Champakkulangara Chandrasekharamarar. One of the most prominent performers in the Palakkadan style, Kallur (as he is affectionately called by aficionados) enchants his audience with his distinct style of the different aspects of Thaayampaka. Porur Unnikrishnan Unnikrishnan was born in 1964 to Porur Marath Krishnamarar…

Garuda Garva Bhangam (The vanquishing of Garuda’s pride)  Rugmini, one of Krishna’s wives, prides that she is the most beautiful amongst all his wives. At the same time, his carrier the mighty eagle Garuda is smug about his lightning speed and strength. Krishna decides to curb their vanity and instructs Garuda to fetch the mighty monkey Hanuman who is doing penance in the forest. Garuda flies there and instructs Hanuman about Krishna’s order. Hanuman nonchalantly informs Garuda that he takes orders only from his lord Shree Raman. Garuda challenges Hanuman, and learns the hard way that he is no match…

 A solo dance exposition, the Thullal is of three types – Ottan, Sheethankan and Parayan. It is classified based on the differences in costume, style of dance and also the metre and rhythm of the Thullal songs. Its origin is attributed to Kunchan Nambiar, a comic genius and one of the great poets of Kerala. Though based on classic principles of Natya Shastra, the technique of this art is not rigid. The songs, written in simple Malayalam and replete with wit and humour, the simplicity of presentation, and the direct appeal to everyday life made Thullal very popular. The instruments…

About Traditions Live Traditions Live is a Dubai-based event management company of art-lovers, run by art-lovers, for art-lovers. Traditions Live is a not-for-profit organisation, and one which believes in nurturing the noble and rich performing-arts heritage of the land from which all its stakeholders hail from – Kerala. We believe it is the bounden duty of everyone who loves the arts to keep the lamp of culture and tradition burning brightly through the generations and to ensure that the richness of our cultural inheritance should not be laid waste by indolence, ignorance and more importantly lack of opportunities to see…

Recognised by UNESCO as one among the “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”, it is the only surviving Sanskrit theatre in the world. Extant over 2000 years, it is arguably the oldest existing classical theatre form in the entire world. Balivadham Balivadham Koodiyaattam is being performed in this edition of Utsavam. Balivadham ankam is from Abhisheka Natakam and it is performed with nirvahanam of Sreeraman and Sugreevan. Abhisheka Natakam (The Drama of Coronation) is written by Bhasa, a scholarly playwright believed to have lived between 2nd century BC and 2nd century CE. He has written a number…