An institute that can impart training to interested youngsters in Kerala’s traditional percussion will come up soon in village Pallasana near here as a mark of respect to the legendary Pallavur trinity, which contributed immensely to the protection and promotion of Thayambaka, Edakka, Sopanam Music, Melam and Panchavadyam.
The trinity comprised percussion expert brothers Appu Marar, Manian Marar and Kunjukutta Marar. According to K. Babu, MLA, the memorial institute will be set up by mobilising funds from the local community apart from seeking contributions from the Department of Culture.
Other than percussion training, the institute will have facility to commercially manufacture and sell various percussion instruments.
Vadya Kala Kshethram
Named as Vadya Kala Kshethram, it will also comprise a museum and research centre showcasing books and musical instruments. There will be special section on the three brothers, who brought fame to their native place by taking percussion to greater heights.
The Pallavur style initiated by the bothers is now getting replicated across the State at the hands of percussion experts. Children of Edakka expert Pattarath Sankara Marar and his wife Purathuveettil Narayani Ammini, the trinity was an inseparable part of the festival grounds in Kerala for long. They were also an integral part of the famous Thrissur Pooram festival.
Percussion artist Kunissery Chandran, who hails from the Pallavur family, is president of the memorial committee and artist K. Ramadharan is secretary. Culture Minister A.K. Balan has promised maximum government patronage for the initiative.
Appu Marar, the eldest among the trinity, had headed the panchavadyam of the Paramekkavu Devaswom of Thrissur Pooram for over 40 years. His brother, Kunhikuttan Marar, had led the opposite side, the Thiruvambady Devaswom. Younger Brother Manian was also part of the Thiruvambadi side.
It was in a span of 18 months between June 2001 and December 2002, the three Pallavur stalwarts of traditional Kerala percussion had died. “After all, Pallavur is a land of percussion marvels. Like the trinity, many of the living legends of Kerala percussion have begun by getting trained at Thrippalavurappan temple here,” said Mr. Chandran.
