Kuchipudi Bharatham- 2026

The Srishti Centre for Arts and Culture, in association with Folkland – International Centre for Folklore and Culture, the UNESCO Chair on Indigenous Cultural Heritage & Sustainable Development, University of Calicut, and with the support of Dorf Ketal, successfully organized "Kuchipudi Bharatham 2026", a three-day intensive Kuchipudi workshop from 3 to 5 July 2026 at Srishti Centre, Minaloor, Thrissur. Led by renowned Kuchipudi exponent Sreelasri Rachana Narayanankutty, the workshop provided intensive training in meditation, body conditioning, Adavus, choreography, rhythm, performance aesthetics, and artistic interpretation. Sessions were conducted by Sreelasri Rachana Narayanankutty, Kalakshetra Athul P. Thomas, and Vidwan Naveen Anand, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of the technical, musical, and cultural dimensions of the classical dance tradition. The valedictory function on 5 July 2026 was presided over by Sreelasri Rachana Narayanankutty. Dr. V. Jayarajan, Chairman of Folkland and Secretary General of ICCN, attended as the Chief Guest and highlighted the evolution of Kuchipudi from a folk tradition to one of India's foremost classical dance forms, while paying tribute to the late Pandvani legend Teejan Bai. Prof. E. Pushpalatha, UNESCO Chair Holder at the University of Calicut, Kalamandalam Krishna Kumar, Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee, and French choreographer and Kathakali scholar Michael addressed the gathering. Resource persons Kalakshetra Athul P. Thomas, Vidwan Naveen Anand, and Hareesh Plamackal were honoured for their contributions, and certificates were distributed to all participants.