Mega Panchavadyam mesmerises crowd

The Vishnu Temple premises at Venginikkara near Edappal witnessed a unique presentation of Panchavadyam on Friday night.

The 110 artistes of Sopanam School of Panchavadyam, Valayamkulam, mesmerised the crowd when they provided a symphony of Timila, Maddalam, Edakka, Kombu, and Elathalam at a specially set up venue.

The Sopanam School has won accolades from across the country by specialising in Panchavadyam performance at a mega scale. It entered the Limca Book of Records when 201 artistes staged a performance sometime ago.

“It marked the

arangettam of our artistes at Venginikkara unit,” said Santhosh Alankode, director of the Sopanam School. He said it took many days’ hard practice to present Panchavadyam at a mega scale. Artist Namboothiri inaugurated the function. He said that there would be no riot where art and artistes rule the roost. C.V. Sethumadhavan, organising committee chairman, presided.

Writer Chathanath Achuthanunni, film producer Chittikkal Madhavan, and several other artistes attended the function.

The Vadyotsavam of the Sopanam School will conclude on November 29 with a Thaalavaikhari 2015 to be held at Pothanur. “It will also be an

arangettam of 101 chenda artistes,” said Mr. Santhosh.

Chenda maestro Mattanur Sankarankutty Marar has been overseeing the preparations for the mega Thayambaka event to be held on November 29. According to Mr. Santhosh, it will again be a record of sorts.