Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academi is ready to organize its first national drum festival called Thathinthakathom in Thrissur from 11 to 13 July.
This event combines diverse drums from all over the country and offers a great celebration of rhythm, sound and tradition under one roof.
The festival, which was curator Keli Ramacandran, focuses on renowling rhythm as a strong cultural, artistic and political expression – not only performance, but dialogue, identity and resistance. The festival takes place as a tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain, whose impact on the world of rhythm is still inspired.
Zakir Hussain Memorial
The opening ceremony will take place at the KT Theater Muhammed at 17:30 July 11. The poet and lyricist BK Harinarayanan will show a commemorative speech at Ustad Zakir Hussain. Chairman of the Academy Chairman and Drums Maestro Mattannur Sankarankutty.
“It is a historical milestone for Keral Sangeeth Nataka Academy-Vůbec The first percussion festival in my 67-year history. When I took over the chairman, I promised the drum community and through this festival I fulfilled this commitment,” Mr. Sankarankutty.
The three -day festival will present native percussion performances such as Chenda Melam, Panchavadyam, Thayambaka, Mizhav, Maddalam, Patta, ThaptAm and Kartal, along with percussion performances of other countries. There will be bright demonstrations of lectures and screening of short films.
Pencalanga
Perkusionists will perform at the event, historically insufficiently represented in many drum traditions. At the meeting, Penenalangal 12 July, it will present among other ensembles and interviews All Women and interviews such as Amritavarshini (Thvil), Mukta Raste (Tabla) and Nandini Varma (Thayambaka). Sukanya Ramgopal, known for violating gender barriers in Ghatam, will perform 12 July at 19:45.
The final event, Chairman of the Symphony, led by Mr. Sankarankutty, will take place on 13 July at 19:35.
“The festival is an Academy project. Conceived as a platform bearing a deep political message, brings together percussion artists from various parts of society. By placing women and transgender artists in the core of the festival we confirm our main message,” Karivellur Murali, secretary.
The election events include seminars in cooperation with Kerala Kalamandalam and the Drama School of the drama investigating the rhythmic heritage in Kathakali and the cinema.
With three places – Black Box Theater, actor Murali Theater and KT Muhammed Theater – the festival offers free entry. There is also a registration of delegates for 100 GBP through the official Academy website. Only the first 200 registration applicants will receive delegate sets and coupons of food.
Published – 4 July 2025 20:23
