Keralas traditional arts forms enchant tourists

KOCHI: ‘Thullupattu’ performed at Fort Kochi on Sunday left people mesmerised.It gave a feel of the life of the Maviler community from Neeleeswaram village of Kasaragod.The performance put together the parts and parcels of lives of the people of Maviler community.‘Thullupattu’ is only one of the various art forms being displayed at ‘Utsavam’, a state-wide cultural initiative taken by Kerala’s tourism department which will end on February 26.The programme, started in 2007 across all 14 districts of the state, is an initiative by the government to encourage traditional art forms that are on the verge of extinction.Not surprisingly, the initiative has also charmed thousands of foreigners visiting the city.Siva Dutt, president, Kumbalangi Model Tourism Society, said, “Earlier, tourists who came to Kerala only knew of the popular art forms but this initiative has created awareness and generated interest among them to explore these art forms.Some tourists come specifically to carry out research on these art forms.Also the programmes being showcased at various places in Ernakulam as at Fort Kochi Beach, Cherai Beach, Munambam and Kumbalangi on Sundays, have impressed the tourists who were amazed by the sheer beauty of the tribal dance forms and the tribals who eke out their living through such performances.” “Many tourists have even approached the group to get their names and details of the art form.The art, hopefully, can be revived if it is given the right kind of encouragement,” Siva Dutt added.Besides, such an initiative has helped small-time performers throughout the state.The common platform and the financial aid encourages them to perform.The various art forms being performed include Mudiyattam, Mudiyettu, Muduga Nrithum, Nadan Nruthum, Nadan Pattu, Padayani, Pakkanarattam, T h i d a m b u n r u t h a m , Thangalum Padayum etc.Artiste groups are given around `13,500 for daily performances.Lecture demonstrations and interpretations of the art forms are also conducted.Senior artistes are also being honoured at ‘Utsavam’.