Kerala Kathakali Awards 2023 announced by Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi honor artists in Chenda, Maddalam, Koodiyattam. Get full list of awardees and key exam facts.

Kerala Announces State Kathakali & Classical Arts Awards 2023

The Government of Kerala, through the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi under its Cultural Affairs Department, recently declared the prestigious annual awards—State Kathakali Awards, Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram, and Keraleeya Nritta-Natya Puraskaram—for the year 2023 These accolades recognize individual excellence in Kerala’s traditional performing arts, honoring lifetime contributions and reinforcing cultural heritage.

Celebrating Kathakali Percussionists

In 2023, two maestros were bestowed with the State Kathakali Awards:

Kuroor Vasudevan Namboothiri, acclaimed for his mastery of the Chenda drum.
Kalamandalam Sankara Warrier, honored for his excellence in the Maddalam percussion

Both instruments are integral to Kathakali—a classical dance-drama renowned for expressive bodily gestures and rhythmic accompaniment.

Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram

This award, dedicated to exceptional contributions to temple percussion, went in 2023 to Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar, a celebrated Chenda maestro, recognized for his innovative techniques and deep devotion to temple arts

Keraleeya Nritta‑Natya Puraskaram for Classical Theatre

The award for regional classical dance and theatre, Keraleeya Nritta‑Natya Puraskaram, was presented to Kalamandalam P.N. Girijadevi for her extensive work in Koodiyattam, the 2,000‑year‑old Sanskrit theatre tradition recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage

These awards include a cash prize, citation, and plaque, and are part of Kerala’s long-standing policy to sustain and celebrate its rich cultural arts

Why This Announcement Matters

Featuring both instruments and art forms unique to Kerala, the awards highlight the state’s ongoing effort to support veteran artists, encourage youth participation in classical arts, and to preserve intangible cultural heritage in a modernizing society

Why This News Is Important

Promoting Cultural Heritage & Exam Relevance

This news holds significance across various government exams—SSC, UPSC, banking, railways—particularly under the General Awareness and Indian Culture sections. The detailed recognition of Kathakali, Chenda, and Koodiyattam sheds light on underexplored but vital subjects, reinforcing candidates’ understanding of India’s regional art forms.

Policy & Governance Angle

Kerala’s institutional backing—through awards administered by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi—demonstrates the role of state-level cultural policy in safeguarding intangible heritage. Exam questions often probe the responsibilities of state bodies in culture preservation, making this a relevant case study.

Connection to UNESCO & International Recognition

The award to a Koodiyattam exponent emphasizes that this art form received UNESCO’s designation as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001—an essential fact frequently asked in civil-service examinations.

Inspiring Aspirational Aspirants

Highlighting veteran artists and their accolades serves as motivational examples for aspirants preparing for arts-based posts like TGT, PGT (Arts) or cultural officer roles in defense and railways, illustrating the esteemed status of cultural excellence in public service.

Historical Context: Preserving Kerala’s Classical Arts

Origins of Kathakali & Temple Percussion

Kathakali—dating back to the 17th century—evolved as a blend of theatre, dance, and ritual. Instruments like the Chenda and Maddalam are deeply rooted in temple festivals and are foundational to the Kathakali tradition.

Koodiyattam’s Ancient Legacy

Koodiyattam, the Sanskrit theatre art form practiced in Kerala, has existed for over 2,000 years. It is one of the oldest living theatrical traditions and received international acclaim with UNESCO’s intangible heritage recognition in 2001.

Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi’s Role

Established in 1958, the Akademi has consistently championed Kerala’s classical forms. Through awards and festivals, it has ensured that art forms remain dynamic and relevant to successive generations.

Evolution of Awards

Instituted to honor both established and emerging talent, these awards serve as institutional recognition for lifetime service, aligning Kerala’s cultural policy with the broader aim to nurture intangible cultural heritage.

Key Takeaways from Kerala Kathakali & Classical Arts Awards

#	Key Takeaway
1	Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi administers State Kathakali, Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya, and Keraleeya Nritta‑Natya awards annually.
2	2023 Kathakali Awards: Kuroor Vasudevan Namboothiri (Chenda) and Kalamandalam Sankara Warrier (Maddalam).
3	Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram awarded to Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar for excellence in Chenda percussion.
4	Keraleeya Nritta‑Natya Puraskaram conferred upon Kalamandalam P.N. Girijadevi, a Koodiyattam master.
5	Koodiyattam is recognized as a UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage (2001).

Kerala Kathakali awards 2023

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the State Kathakali Awards?

These are annual awards presented by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi to honor excellence in the field of Kathakali, a classical dance-drama from Kerala.