THIRANOTTAM, a fraternity of art-lovers of the traditional art forms of Kerala, is a not-for-profit organization formed and functioning for the promotion of these art forms and the artistes. Thiranottam’s purpose and activities are to increase awareness and comprehension of classical performing arts of Kerala by conducting appreciation sessions, organizing stage shows of renowned professional artistes and providing a platform for the young and promising talents.
The curtain has been lifted on the 4-day cultural festival Utsavam’11, the fifth in its series, which has been showcasing the traditional and rich, classical arts of Kerala in UAE from 2007 onwards. The Indian Consul General, His Excellency Sanjay Verma, and Padma Shree Kalamandalam Gopi, the eminent Kathakali artiste, and Padma Shree Mattannoor Shankarankutty Maraar, the virtuoso chenda player, inaugurated the event on 4th November 2011. It showcased more and more classical art forms from the realms of Natya Sastra (Science of Acting) to the UAE audience. With Koodiyaattom and Kathakali being the flag bearers of this Indian Science, Thiranottam thought it appropriate to coin the term International Koodiyaattam and Kathakali Festival (IKKF). Utsavam ’11 was grander than its predecessors, with greater emphasis on Taalam and Layam. World-renowned Chenda celebrity Padma Shri Mattannoor Sankaran Kutty has kindly consented to set the right tempo for this year’s festival. Apart from Thayampaka, the four-day event showcased various art forms like Koodiyaattam, Keli, Purappadu, Melappadam and Kathakali.
CSS Group was one of the main sponsors for the event.