Thiruvananthapuram: The grandeur of Kerala’s traditional ritual art forms is set to come alive in the capital city as Kandakarnan Thira will be staged at Kerala Arts and Crafts Village at 7pm on Friday.The performance is being organised as part of a cultural gathering titled Meythari Cultural Festival, promising a unique and immersive visual experience for audiences. According to legend, Kandakarnan is believed to have originated from the throat of Lord Shiva and is worshipped as a deity associated with healing and protection from diseases. The ritual performance, traditionally seen in North Malabar, features captivating visuals with blazing torches, rhythmic beats of traditional instruments like chenda and elathalam, and intense, trance-like movements of the performer embodying the deity. The enactment, marked by fiery surroundings and powerful expressions, evokes both devotion and awe among viewers, blending spirituality with dramatic artistry. Organisers said the aim of the Meythari event is to introduce the rich ritual art traditions of North Malabar to audiences in southern Kerala. Presenting culturally and historically significant art forms like Kandakarnan Thira is a major step towards preserving and passing on Kerala’s heritage to future generations, chief operating officer T U Sreeprasad said.
