Edappally Kathakali Aswadaka Sadas Celebrates 22nd Anniversary

KOCHI:
The Edappally Kathakali Aswadaka Sadas, a prestigious cultural organisation dedicated to the promotion and preservation of traditional Indian art forms, proudly organised its 22nd Anniversary Celebration in collaboration with SwissWatchCompany.in on the 25th January, 2025, titled “Godavarma Reminiscence,” at Changampuzha Park, Edappally.

Edappally Kathakali Aswadaka Sadas, a social and cultural organisation that is affiliated with the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy boasts a vibrant community of over 2,000 life members, including patrons from across India and abroad. The Sadas have been instrumental in staging 18 Kathakali programs annually, alongside performances of other classical art forms like Koodiyattam, Nangyar Koothu, and Ottanthullal.

The celebration featured a special Kathakali performance of “Bakavadham,” along with tributes to the late Godavarma Raja, a pivotal figure in the history of Kerala’s classical arts. The program was inaugurated by Jayanti Varma, Founder and Director of Retail Interface Pvt. Ltd., with the Godavarma Memorial Speech delivered by V. Kaladharan. The Edappally Kathakali Aswadaka Sadas brought everyone to this vibrant cultural event.

Speaking on the collaboration, Jayanti Varma, and Arun D’silva, Founders of Retail Interface Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are honoured to collaborate with Edappally Kathakali Aswadaka Sadas for their 22nd anniversary. Supporting ancient Indian art forms and the young artists who are passionate to pursue such art forms is close to our hearts since they have chosen a path which is less taken these days and we look forward to more initiatives celebrating timeless traditions and nurturing talent.”

Mallika Varma, Co-founder, Edappally Kathakali Aswadaka Sadas, said: “I am very happy to have co-founded the Edappally Kathakali Aswadaka Sadas along with my father-in-law and sister. We have seen many famous traditional dance performers wait for this time of the year to perform Kathakali dance forms since its inception 2002, This was a dream project for my father-in- law and he started this with an intention of protecting and promoting the art forms of Kerala. This year we have taken an initiative to create a platform for the young, new upcoming Kathakali artists to showcase their talents. Our objective is to build the Kathakali art form among the younger generation so that the tradition of Kathakali form continues in the future as well”.