Annual Kathakali Fest

Ayirur Kathakali Gramam, in Pathanamthitta district in Central Kerala, is home to a vibrant week-long Kathakali festival showcasing major Kathakali plays. This much-anticipated event attracts a diverse audience, including international visitors. This year, the 17th Kathakali Fest, hosted by the Pathanamthitta District Club, will take place from January 8 to 14 at the Sand Bed Auditorium within the village. The festival's lineup includes popular dance dramas such as Nalacharitham 1st Day, Kalyanasougandhikam, Banayudham, Rugmangada Charitham, Ravanolbhavam, the Spanish tale Don Quixote, and Prahalada Charitham.

Ayirur - A Village where Kathakali Thrives
The Riverside village of Ayirur in Pathanamthitta, popularly known as 'Ayirur Kathakali Gramam' is renowned for its profound connection to Kathakali, a classical dance-drama. The village inhabitants possess extensive knowledge of the traditional art form, prompting the establishment of Kathakali clubs in Lower Primary Schools. Approximately 70% of residents, including women and children, have a solid grasp of the fundamentals of this art form.

In 1987, a Kathakali Appreciation Forum was inaugurated, which later transformed into the district-level Kathakali Club by 1995, initially consisting of 12 members. Presently, the club boasts a membership of around 900 individuals and operates the esteemed Natyabharathi Kathakali Centre.

The Pathanamthitta District Kathakali Club endeavours to immerse a select group of students in diverse facets of art, encompassing literature, gestures, rhythm, as well as makeup and costume design. These clubs arrange weekly educational sessions conducted by experienced artists. Introducing innovative concepts to Kathakali, the Club has presented Kathakali adaptations of renowned Malayalam poems like ‘Kurathy’ and ‘Kattalan’. Additionally, they've showcased Kathakali renditions of biblical narratives such as ‘The Prodigal Son’ (Mudiyanaya Puthran) and ‘Mary Magdalene’ (Magdalene Mariam). Notably, the Club's performance of ‘Unniyarcha’, depicting the legendary female warrior from North Malabar Ballads, stands as a significant accomplishment.

View the 17th Kathakali Fest Schedule