Ayyappan Thiyyattu

Contributions

The present generation of Mulankunnathukavu Thiyyadi, with their exposure to other art forms and sincere interest in carrying on this ritual arts have taken efforts to bring the art form to lime light. They have succeeded in taking this art form out of the temple enclosure and transcending the ritualistic level often giving its shades of classical elegance.

The contributions by Mulankunnathukavu Thiyyadi in this field are listed below :

• An A-Grade Artiste of All India Radio-Thrissur, Raman Nambiar is the author of a book viz. AYYAPPAN THEEYYATTU – KALAYUM ANUSHTANAVUM – published by The State Institute of Languages, Kerala. The book, released by the Chief Minister of Kerala at a colourful function held at VJT Hall, Thiruvanandapuram, is an invaluable addition to the Kerala’s traditional arts and a complete guide to Ayyappan Thiyyattu.


• Taking the art form to the midst of public audience by way of performing full-fledged programmes, exhibiting large kalams, etc. with venues at various universities, colleges, cultural organizations, etc.


• Giving the art form a stature of a classical art form beyond the ritual status by jointly performing thiyyattu at venues of classical art forms.


• Educating the public about the art form by having lecture-cum-demonstration before programmes and also writing articles in major publications like Mathrubhoomi, Samakalika Malayalam Weekly, Keli (a Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi publication), etc.


• As a recognition of the artistic richness of the art form, Kerala Kalamandalam included Ayappan Thiyyattu as a subject in its syllabus for Kathakali MA-Chenda course.


• Spreading the message even outside india through programmes for foreign students.


• Finding more venues from the usual one, extending to various temples/institutions of southern Kerala and also to other States also.


• Training the new generation on the art form


• Reviving the udayasthamana koothu


• Performing frequently thiyyattu patu and thottam pattu through All India Radio (Also performed in its National programme of regional music)


• Performing for Doordarsan and other channels.

Some of the venues (other than temples) for Mulankunnathukavu Thiyyadi have been:

• Kerala Kalamandalam & Unnayi Variar Kalanilayam


• Kerala Lalithakala Akademi (Thrisur) & Kendra Lalit Kala Akademi (New Delhi)


• Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, New Delhi in collaboration with University of Calicut


• Centre for Folklore Studies (Calicut University) in collaboration with Sough Zone Cultural Centre Thanjavur


• International Centre for Kerala Studies , Kerala University


• University of Kerala – for Wisconcin University


• Mahatma Gandhi University – Study class on Ayyappan Thiyyattu


• National Theatre Festifval organized by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi.


• Travancore Devaswom Board Kshethrakalapeetom Akademi


• Pattambi Sanskrit college (as part of the five-day National Workshop on Sanskrit theatre and other art forms of Kerala).


• Sreeramakrishna Madhom, Thrissur


• Kerala Cultural Association, Chennai


• Hyderabad, Secundrabad, Mangaluru, Bengaluru


• Doordarshan Kendra, Amrita channel, Thiruvananthapuram/All India Radio, Thrissur


• International Ayyappa Sathram held at Harippad, Erumeli, Pathanamthitta, Kannur and Thodupuzha


• Tripunithura Kathakali Kendram


• Atham Nagar (as part of Onam celebration by Tripunithura Municipality)


• Organisations/cultural associations/educational institutions viz. Thapasya, various colleges, BPCL Kochi Refinery, NSS Karayogams, etc.


• Numerous temples of southern Kerala where the art form is hitherto not performed.

Considering the contributions of Mulankunnathukavu Thiyyadi Raman Nambiar in this field, Kerala Kalamandalam honoured him (2003) with a Certificate and memento. He also received the Kerala Folklore Academy Award of 2009.