The city is all set to celebrate this Christmas-New Year season with an eclectic mix of dance and music.
To fill Kochi’s holiday season with rhythmic splendour and stunning visuals, Bharatheeyam, a 10-day festival will kick off at Marine Drive in the city on Friday. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala will inaugurate the event, which showcases the vibrant traditions of Indian art forms and features a line-up of young and acclaimed artists.
Tourism Minister A.P. Anil Kumar will be the chief guest at the inaugural function, which will also be attended by danseuse and social activist Mallika Sarabhai, and actors Jayaram and Jayasurya.
The programmes will be held at Marine Drive from 6.30 p.m. onwards. On the inaugural day, artiste Ambalapuzha Vijayakumar will present Sopanasangeetham while actor Jayaram, along with 60 artistes, will present Pancharimelam.
On the second day, Mallika Sarabhai and team will stage a dance. Singer Usha Uthup will present a music programme on December 21. An Odissi performance by Guru Manoranjan Pradhan and group, and Thiruvathirakali, Margamkali and Oppana by students of St. Teresa’s College will be staged on December 22.
Mohiniyattam by Neena Prasad and Kathak by Madhu Natraj Kiran will be presented on December 23. Musician Ramesh Narayanan will present ghazals on December 24.
On Christmas day, DJ-Sash and team will present a programme. The next day, Preethy Patel and team will present a Manipuri dance, while Guru Ramakrishna Talukdar and Krishnakshi Kashyap will stage an Assamese dance. A folk dance and music programme will be presented by Kashmiri artistes on December 27.
On December 28, Bangra and Gidha will be performed by artistes from Punjabi Academy, Delhi.
A 2,500-sq. ft grand stage will be set up at the venue, in addition to 14 food courts, 12 pavilions and 45 stalls. The entry fee is fixed at Rs.50 per head.
