The Dharani Kalotsav has been unique in its structure and conduct. Started in 2003, the cultural festival is an annual event conducted at Kochi during November. Eminent artists from all over India participate and perform at the festival which has been a treat to art lovers. Owing to the pandemic, Dharani conducted its maiden Virtual Kalotsav ’21, a three-day cultural fest, to encourage and promote art and aspiring artists, as well as to create awareness among the people about the rich and varied culture of India and our way of living.

Dharani Virtual Fest ’21 was inaugurated by the Mayor of Kochi, M. Anil Kumar, an art enthusiast himself and a visionary leader. The highlight of the mayor’s presence was the warm welcome that he extended to the festival and its participants.

The lighting of the lamp by Shyamala Surendran, Founder and Chairperson - Dharani School of Performing Arts and Sumathi Dhandapani, President - Society Dharani, marked the beginning of the virtual festival.

Day one

The three-day virtual fest commenced with Thullal Thrayam by renowned artist Kalamandalam Prabhakaran master and his team. 

The very first performance was Sheetangal Thullal depicting the story of Kalyana Saungandhikam. Second to be showcased was the Parayan Thullal which narrated the story revolving around a hunter named Chandaka, his wife Pulindi and a Sivalinga. The third to be showcased was Ottan Thullal opening with the Kiratam story of the Pandavas.

The artists of all the three styles performed kummi together at the end of the performance.

Day two

The second day witnessed a unique and divine performance of Nangiar Koothu—an offshoot of Koodiyattam—by Kapila Venu, renowned Koodiyattam practitioner, accompanied by Kalamandalam Rajeev and Kalamandalam Narayanan Nambiar.

Sita Parityagam, based on Mahakavi Kalidasa’s Raghuvamsa was performed in Nangyar Koothu and choreographed by G. Venu. A women’s chastity questioned by her beloved husband, paved the way for a strong ending. The tale expressed Lord Rama’s second request for agnipareeksha. Sita was shown requesting Bhoomi Devi to accept her into her fold irrespective of the requests made by the sobbing Rama.

The audience was amazed by the spirit of the mesmerising presentation. The performance brought out the divinity of the art form and captured the audience’s attention, marking the end of the celebrations of day two. 

Day three

After the mesmerising and tear-filled second day of Nangyar Koothu, veena vidwan V. Sounderajan offered a heartening performance that invoked ananda and a sense of bliss.

A leading Carnatic vainika of his generation, V. Sounderajan is one of the most sought-after creative artists in Indian classical and Malayalam playback music. He was accompanied by Bombay K.B. Ganesh (mridangam) and Trivandrum R. Rajesh (ghatam). Music always smoothens one’s heart and mind and was evident during the twilight of the third day. The artists rendered ragas Brindavana Saranga, Saraswati, and many popular kritis.

Dharani Kalotsav and its organisers have, over the years, contributed to promoting the rich and varied cultural heritage and tradition of India.

A CORRESPONDENT