Malhar: Guru and disciple bring Kathak to Kottayam's cultural stage

Kottayam: Ettumanoor is set to witness a rare confluence of tradition and talent this Navaratri. On October 2 at 7 pm, the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple will host Malhar, a Kathak dance mehfil that brings the grace of North India’s classical dance to Kerala’s cultural heartland. Leading the performance are guru Debjyoti Naskar and disciple Ansa Titus, presenting the timeless dialogue of teacher and student through rhythm and movement.

Marking a special milestone, this evening will also see the very first Kathak manch pravesh (stage debut) in Kottayam, known as the city of letters. Accompanying the dancers are an ensemble of celebrated musicians: Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi awardee Retnasree Iyer on tabla, Vidushi Sreeja Rajendran—Kerala’s first woman sitarist—and Hindustani vocalist Rajendran N R, together creating an immersive soundscape for the performance.

Organized by Chalanam Cultural Academy, the mehfil is both a celebration and an invitation, opening doors for local artistes to learn and engage with the Kathak tradition.