CULTURAL EVENTS
During G20 Presidency 2023
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, January 17th to 20th, 2023
UNITY THROUGH MUSIC AND YOGA FOR HUMANITY
Excursion Dinner
Thursday, January 19, 2023 @ Kerala Arts and Crafts Village, Vellar, Kovalam
Cultural Programme – Contemporary Dance with Pulikali, Yoga Dance and Bamboo Music Symphony
CONTEMPARORY DANCE WITH PULIKALI (Unity Is Strength)
Pulikali (Tiger/Leopard Dance) is a recreational folk art which is performed by trained artists to entertain people on the occation of Onam, an annual harvest festival of Kerala. ‘Pulikali’ perfomers are painted like tigers and leopards in bright yellow’red and black, shake there bellies and dance to the beats of instruments like Udukku and Thakil.
UNITY THROUGH MUSIC AND YOGA FOR HUMANITY
A group of Physical, Mental and Spiritual Practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India ie, during Vedic Period.The ultimate goal of Yoga are stilling the mind and gaining insight. It improves flexibility, strength and balance of mind. Yoga Dance, a dance with classical format narrates various ‘Asanas’ with the use of Music. Hence Yoga Dance performers will show 60 Yoga postures.
BAMBOO MUSIC
SYMPHONY
SYMPHONY
Bamboo music which is an integral part of the culture of Kerala. Bamboo music, as the name suggests, owes it existence to the music instruments solely created with bamboo… Bamboo music in turn resonates the music of nature with the aid of around 25 instruments including flute.
WORLD AS ONE FAMILY
A Multimedia Mega dance fusion during Gala Dinner Programme
Wednesday, January 18, 2023 @ The Leela Kovalam
Cultural Programme – Kalaripayattu, Theyyam, Kathakali, Koodiyattam, Mohiniyattom, Bharatanatyam, Keralanadanam, Sufi dance,
Kathak, Mayoora Nritham, Chavittu Nadakam, Thiriyuzhichil, Western dance and Mime
Kathak, Mayoora Nritham, Chavittu Nadakam, Thiriyuzhichil, Western dance and Mime
KALARIPAYATTU
Existenace of martial arts in India for over 3000 years can be proved by the mention of martial arts in the Vedas. Kalaripayattu, the martial art form of Kerala,is regarded as the oldest and most scientific in the world.Training in combat is given at the Kalari (training school). The principles of Kalari education stripulate that training in martial arts begin with an oil message of the body which goes on until the body is agile and supple. Feats like Chattam (Jumping), Ottam (Running) Marichil( Summersault) etc… are then taught,followed by lessons in the use of weapons such as daggers, swords, spears,maces, the bow and arrow and so on. Kalanipayattu training aims at the ultimate coordination of the mind and body. The traditional training in Kalari includes specialization in indigenous Medical practices as well. Kalari are also the centres of Religious Worship. Kalari-Master (Gurukkal)is not merely a teacher of martial art but also admissible and respected by the society for his healing power and positive energy.
KOODIYATTAM
Koodiyattam, the traditional performing art form of Kerala is perhaps the oldest dance-drama in existence in India and is officially recognized by UNESCO as a “Master Piece of the oral and Intangible heritage of humanity”. It is a combination of ancient Sanskrit theatre with elements of ‘ Kooth’, a performing art form Sangam Era.
MOHINIYATTAM
Mohiniyattam, originated and developed in the State of Kerala is performed in honour of the Hindu God Mahavishnu in his incarnation as the enchantress ‘Mohini.’ The slow, graceful and elaborate body movements are emphasized by the sways, glides and the up and down movement on toes, like the waves of the sea and the swaying of the palm trees and the paddy fields.
KATHAKALI
Kathakali is a major art form of classical Indian Dance which originated in Kerala. The term ‘Kathakali’ is derived from ‘Katha’ means story or a conversation and ‘Kali’ which means ‘Performance’ or ‘Play’ and thus the term Dance Drama. Vivid and elegant in its characteristic ‘Mudras’ (Hand Signs), natural and impressive in gesture, graceful and rhythmic in movement, pleasing in choreography and above all delightful in wealth of imagery and thus makes it a complete art form.
THEYYAM
Theyyam are Hindu ritualistic dance forms practiced in Kerala which is also known as Kaliyattam. Theyyam consists of traditions, rituals and customs associated with temples and sacred groves of Malabar. The people of the region consider Theyyam itself as a channel to a God and they thus seek blessings from Theyyam. It is conducted for propitiating Gods and Goddesses to bless the family or community.
CHAVITTU NADAKAM
Chavittu Nadakam (Stamping Drama) is a highly colorful classical art form originated in Ernakulam, Kerala. It is noted for its attractive make-up of characters, their elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well defined body movements presented in tune with the rhythmic playback music and complementary percussion. This art form highly resembles European opera and the most sensual blend of cultural influences can be seen in this.It is the form of traditional musical dance drama, which symbolizes the martial tradition of Kerala Latin Christians. Chavittu Nadakam is believed to be originated after the arrival of Portuguese to the Kerala shores. The reason behind this assumption is that Chavittu Nadakam has a significant European character in its costumes and outfits.
KERALA NATANAM
Kerala Natanam (Kerala Dance) is a new style of dance that recognised as a distinct art form evolved from Kathakali, a form of Indian dance-drama.Kerala Nadanam can be performed in three ways: Ekamga Nadanam (solo), Samgha Nadanam (group), Nataka Nadanam (dance drama enacting a story).
BHARATANATYAM
Bharatanatyam is a major form of Indian classical dance and is one among the eight widely recognized Indian classical dance forms. A description of Bharatanatyam from the 2nd century CE can be found in the ancient Tamil epic Silappatikaram, while temple sculptures of the 6th to 9th century CE suggest it was a highly refined performance art by the mid-1st millennium CE. Bharatanatyam is the oldest classical dance tradition in India.
KATHAK
Kathak is Indian classical dance from Uttar Pradesh. The origin of Kathak is traditionaly attributed to the traveling bards in ancient northern India known as Kathakars or storytellers. The term Kathak is derived from the Vedic Sanskrit word Katha which means “story”, and Kathakar which means “the one who tells a story”, or “to do with stories”. Kathak dancers tell various stories through their hand movements and extensive footwork, their body movements and flexibility but most importantly through their facial expressions.
SUFI DANCE
Sufi Dance is a form of physically active meditation which originated among certain Sufi groups, and which is still practiced by the Sufi Dervishes of the Mevlevi order and other orders such as the Rifa’iMarufi. It is a customary meditation practice performed within the sema, or worship ceremony, through which dervishes aim to reach the source of all perfection, or dharma. This is sought through abandoning one’s nafs, ego or personal desires, by listening to the music, focusing on God, and spinning one’s body in repetitive circles, which has been
seen as a symbolic imitation of planets in the Solar System orbiting the sun.
MAYOORA NRITHAM
Mayoora Nritham(Mayilattam) is an artistic and religious form of dance performed in the Hindu temples of South India in reverence to Lord Subrahmanya. Mayilattam performers wear costumes from head to toe like peacock with beak, that can be opened and closed using a thread, and perform specific dances. The performers dance on a tall piece of wood attached at the end of their feet. This dance is performed in all Murugan (Lord Subrahmanya) temples as a tradition during festivals.
WESTERN DANCE
Western Dance ‘Flamenco’ is an art form based on the various folkloric music traditions of southern Spain, developed within the gitano subculture of the region of Andalusia, and also having historical presence in Extremadura and Murcia. In a wider sense, the term is used to refer to a variety of both contemporary and traditional musical styles typical of southern Spain. On 16 November 2010, UNESCO declared Flamenco one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
THIRIYUZHICHIL
It is a ritualistic form of act in connection with ‘Sarpakalam’or Naga kalam. It is done to alleviate the fear of snakes, to appease the snake and to be blessed with babies.The perfomer starts dancing holding a torch (pantham) in his hand using various types of musical instruments like Pulluvakudam Chenda, and Ilathalam, and wipes the flames of the torch on the body, especially the chest, arms and back continusly.
MIME
The performance of mime originates at its earliest in Ancient Greece; the name is taken from a single masked dancer called Pantomimus, although performances were not necessarily silent. The mime was distinguished from other dramas by its absence of masks, and by the presence of female as well as male performers
MUSIC WITH INSTRUMENTS
IDAKKA
The Idakka is the most divine among the mangala vadyas (auspicious instruments) is an hourglass-shaped drum from Kerala. The Idakka is slung over the left shoulder and the right side of the instrument is gently beaten with a thin curve-ended stick.It is played in temples and in performances such as Kathakali and Mohiniattam classical dance. It is more musical than rhythmical and is believed that it has been sent to the earth by Lord Shiva. It is believed that the instrument represents the Vedas and arts. The four stick fixed between the strings and the trunk represent the 4 vedas.
MIZHAVU
Mizhavu is a big copper drum played as an accompanying percussion instrument in the Koodiyattam and Koothu, performing arts of Kerala. The drum is played only with hands. Mizhavu is treated as a “Brahmachaarya” and it is considered as sacred.
MRIDANGAM
The mridangam is a percussion instrument of ancient origin. It is the primary rhythmic accompaniment in a Carnatic music ensemble. The mridangam is a double-sided drum. The bass aperture is known as the thoppi or eda bhaaga and the smaller aperture is known as the valanthalai or bala bhaaga. The smaller membrane, when struck, produces higher pitched sounds with a metallic timbre. The wider aperture produces lower pitched sounds.
CHENDA
The Chenda is a cylindrical percussion instrument originated in the state of Kerala. This instrument is famous for its loud and rigid sound. A Chenda has two sides, the left side called “Edamthala” (Left Head) and the right side “Valamthala” (Right Head). The Chenda is mainly played in Hindu temple festivals and as an
accompaniment in the religious art forms of Kerala. The chenda is used as an accompaniment for Kathakali, Koodiyattam, Kannyar Kali, Theyyam and among many forms of dances and rituals in Kerala.
NADASWARAM
The Nagaswaram / Nadasvaram is a double reed wind instrument which is one among the world’s loudest non-brass acoustic instruments. The Nadasvaram is considered to be very auspicious, and it is a key musical instrument played in almost all Hindu weddings and temples of the South Indian tradition. It is part of the family of instruments known as mangala vadyam (lit. mangala “auspicious”, vadya”instrument”). The instrument is usually played in pairs, and accompanied by a pair of drums called thavil
PULLONVEENA
Pullonveena is an instrument used for serpent-worship. It is also refered to as `Pulluva veena’. The instrument has two parts – kinnam (bronze plate) and thanttu (stalk).The pullonveena is played by a stick made of arecanut tree. Thread is used in the place of string. The kinnam is rested on the shoulder holding the head of the instrument with the left hand, using the right hand with the stick (stalk) the veena is played. When the stick
(kol) rubs against the threads, sound is produced. At the end of the stick are chilankas. When these chilankas move, a rhythmic beat is produced.
VIOLIN EASTERN
The Indian violin(classical), while essentially the same instrument as that used in Western music, is different in some senses. The instrument is tuned so that the IV and III strings (G and D on a western-tuned violin) and the II and I (A and E) strings are sa–pa (do–sol) pairs and sound the same but are offset by an octave, resembling common scordatura or fiddle cross-tunings such as G3–D4–G4–D5 or A3–E4–A4–E5. The tonic sa (do) is not fixed, but variably tuned to accommodate the vocalist or lead player. The way the musician holds the instrument varies from Western to Indian music. In Indian music the musician sits on the floor cross- legged with the right foot out in front of them. The scroll of the instrument rests on the foot. This position is essential to playing well due to the nature of Indian music.The hand can move all over the fingerboard and there is no set position for the left hand, so it is important for the violin to be in a steady, unmoving position.
VIOLIN
This Violin( Eastern), sometimes known as a fiddle, is a wooden chordophone (string instrument) in the violin family. Most violins have a hollow wooden body. It is the smallest and thus highest-pitched instrument in the family in regular use.
FLUTE
Like all woodwinds, flutes are aerophones, meaning they make sound by vibrating a column of air. These flutes demonstrate that a developed musical tradition existed from the earliest period of modern human presence in Europe. Historians have found the bamboo flute has a long history as well, especially in China
and India.
BASS GUITAR
The bass guitar, electric bass or simply bass ,is the lowest-pitched member of the guitar family. It is a plucked string instrument similar in appearance and construction to an electric or acoustic guitar, but with a longer neck and scale length, and typically four to six strings or courses.
SAXOPHONE
The saxophone (often referred to colloquially as the sax) is a type of single-reed woodwind instrument with a conical body, usually made of brass. As with all single-reed instruments, sound is produced when a reed on a mouthpiece vibrates to produce a sound wave inside the instrument’s body. Saxophones are made in various sizes and are almost always treated as transposing instruments. Saxophone players are called saxophonists.
RHYTHM GUITAR
The basic technique of rhythm guitar is to hold down a series of chords with the fretting hand while strumming or fingerpicking rhythmically with the other hand.
ACOUSTIC GUITAR
An acoustic guitar is a musical instrument in the string family. When a string is plucked its vibration is transmitted from the bridge, resonating throughout the top of the guitar. It is also transmitted to the side and back of the instrument, resonating through the air in the body, and producing sound from the sound hole.
WESTERN CONCERT FLUTE
The flute is one of the oldest and most widely used wind instruments.The precursors of the modern concert flute were keyless wooden transverse flutes similar to modern fifes. These were later modified to include between one and eight keys for chromatic notes.
DRUMS
The drum is a member of the percussion group of musical instruments. Drums are the world’s oldest and most ubiquitous musical instruments, and the basic design has remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years.
VIOLIN WESTERN
The violin, sometimes known as a fiddle, is a wooden chordophone (string instrument) in the violin family. Most violins have a hollow wooden body. It is the smallest and thus highest-pitched instrument (soprano) in the family in regular use. The violin typically has four strings (some can have five), usually tuned in perfect fifths with notes G3, D4, A4, E5, and is most commonly played by drawing a bow across its strings. It can also be played by plucking the strings with the fingers (pizzicato) and, in specialized cases, by striking the strings with the wooden side of the bow (col legno).
Calligraphy, Kalamezhuth, Sarppakkalam
UNITY IN DIVERSITY
A dance fusion choreography to welcome Dignitaries
Tuesday, January 17, 2023 @ The Leela Kovalam
Cultural Programme – Kathakali, Koodiyattom and Mohiniyattom
KATHAKALI
Kathakali is a major art form of classical Indian Dance which originated in Kerala. The term ‘Kathakali’ is derived from ‘Katha’ means story or a conversation and ‘Kali’ which means ‘Performance’ or ‘Play’ and thus the term Dance Drama. Vivid and elegant in its characteristic ‘Mudras’ (Hand Signs), natural and impressive in gesture, graceful and rhythmic in movement, pleasing in choreography and above all delightful in wealth of imagery and thus makes it a complete art form.
KOODIYATTAM
It is a traditional performing art form in the State of Kerala and is a combination of ancient Sanskrit Theatre with elements of ‘Kooth’, an ancient performing art from Sangam Era. Literarily Koodiyattam means “Dancing together” which is thought to refer to the presence of Multiple actors who act in rhythm with the beats of Mizhavu drummers. The main musical instruments used in Koodiyattam are the “Mizhavu” (Large copper drum), Kuzhithalam (a Type cymbol), Idakka (Hour glass shaped drum similar to Damaru), Karumkuzhal (Mughaveena-A traditional double reed wind instrument of Kerala), and Sankhu (Conch). Koodiyattam is perhaps the oldest dance-drama in existence in India and is officially recognized as a “Master Piece of the oral and Intangible heritage of humanity.”
MOHINIYATTAM
Mohiniyattam , one of the classical dance forms of India, originated and developed in the State of Kerala. The dance is performed normally by woman in honour of the Hindu God Mahavishnu in his incarnation as the enchantress ‘Mohini’. The slow, graceful and elaborate movement vocabulary of Mohiniyattam along with its distinctive emoting methodology and distinctive music system, gives it an identity different from that of the other classical dance forms of India. The body movements are emphasized by the sways, glides and the up and down movement on toes, like the waves of the sea and the swaying of the palm trees and the paddy fields. The Abhinaya or acting mode in the dance form is Ekaharya Abhinaya which means portraying stories and different characters by a single dancer. A simple traditional white cotton sari, bordered with golden brocade (kasavu), is worn by the dancer to transform pristine physical body movements into a subtle but effective medium of communicating movements, emotions, expressions, and stories.Mohiniyattam was primarily performed as a female solo dance form, but in the 21st century it may also be performed irrespective of gender and is performed both as solo form and as group choreograph
