The National Percussion Festival — titled Thathinthakathom — organised by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi began on a rousing note in Thrissur on Friday.
Dedicated to the legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain, this is Kerala’s first-ever national-level percussion festival, showcasing a wide range of Indian rhythm traditions over three vibrant days.
Although the akademi has been organising numerous programmes dedicated to music and theatre, this is the first time a grand festival has been exclusively curated to celebrate percussion, said Mattannur Sankarankutty, Chairman of the akademi.
“The percussion festival is a magnificent confluence that showcases a rich variety of percussion instruments that form the backbone of the State’s rhythmic heritage. Designed like a string of beautiful pearls, the festival seamlessly weaves together Kerala’s native percussion traditions with other indigenous and national percussion forms, representing a vibrant tapestry of India’s diverse rhythm cultures to the world,” he said.
This historic event brings together diverse percussion traditions from across India, offering a grand celebration of rhythm, sound, and tradition under one roof.
Actor Murali Theatre was packed with rhythm enthusiasts from morning itself. Designed as a unique blend of melody and rhythm, a soulful Idakka performance led by Peringode Subrahmanian and team opened the three-day festival. Beginning with the resonant call of the conch, the performance evoked a range of emotions and expressions, captivating the hall.
When rhythm beats from the heart, its energy moves the entire body—and that was precisely the experience of Melappadam performed by Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan and team. Melappadam brought together melodic instruments and percussion in perfect synergy. More than just a percussion performance, Melappadam became an immersive musical experience that left the audience moved and inspired.
In an electrifying celebration of rhythm, the performance Double Thayambaka on Mizhavu captured the hearts of percussion lovers. Every beat reached the hearts of the audience, offering a rare chance to witness the intricate beauty and power of Kerala’s percussion heritage up close.
The afternoon sessions featured Sinkari Melam by the Kollannur Aattam Kala Samiti followed by presentations and explanations of rhythmic patterns in Arjuna Nritham and Garudanthookkam.
Tribal percussion performances by Malappulaya tribe of Idukki and Irular tribe of Attappady were a different experience. It was followed by the traditional Muttum Viliyum art form led by Ustad Muhammed and team.
The festival was formally inaugurated by Akademi Chairman Mattannur Sankarankutty by performing ‘Thappu’, a traditional percussion instrument. Akademi governing committee member T.R. Ajayan presided.
Poet and lyricist B.K. Harinarayanan delivered a remembrance speech on Ustad Zakir Hussain. Festival curator Keli Ramachandran outlined the vision of the event. Sangeetha Natka Akademi secretary Karivellur Murali, Lalithakala Akademi chairman Murali Cheeroth, percussion maestro Pervanam Kuttan Marar also spoke.
Thappattam, a folk dance from Tamil Nadu, performed by Thirunangai Tamilini followed the inaugural function. Kartal, the desert rhythm, by Muhammad Rafiq and Shaheer Khan and Kombupattu by Odakkali Murali and team followed.
The first day programme culminated in a specially choreographed percussion performance by Mattannur Sankarankutty and group. A short film on Ustad Zakir Hussain was also screened.
Published – July 11, 2025 08:50 pm IST
