CURRENT CONTEXT : The Government of Kerala has declared the State Kathakali Awards, Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram, and Keraleeya Nritta-Natya Puraskaram for the year 2023 to honour artists for their contribution to Kerala’s classical performing arts.

ABOUT THE AWARDS

• These awards aim to promote, preserve, and honour Kerala’s traditional arts such as Kathakali, Koodiyattam, and traditional percussion music.
• Reflects Kerala’s cultural policy to recognize veteran artists and support art forms unique to the state.

AWARDEES – 2023

State Kathakali Award

• Kuroor Vasudevan Namboothiri – for excellence in Chenda
• Kalamandalam Sankara Warrier – for mastery in Maddalam

Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram

• Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar – renowned Chenda exponent, known for innovation and rhythmic brilliance

Keraleeya Nritta-Natya Puraskaram

• Kalamandalam P.N. Girijadevi – for contributions to Koodiyattam, the ancient Sanskrit theatre tradition of Kerala