This year's Nishagandhi Festival and Kathakali Festival is underway at Kanakakkunnu Palace and Nishagandhi grounds in Trivandrum city. The festival is on from Jan 20 to 26.
Performance of various Indian classical dance forms – Mohiniyattom, Kutchippudi, etc, Ghazals, Musical concerts (ganamela), etc add attraction to the event. Also don't miss the food festival, where major hotels, resorts and restaurants offer you their specialties. Don't miss the Payasam (sweet porridge) from Hotel Geeth.
One specialty this season is the display of handicrafts works by the tribal communities of Kerala, where they display their skills of creating musical instruments, artworks, and day to day utility items. BTW, there is also performance of Tribal dance forms.
The Kathakali Festival is also a special treat. I see more foreigners there than locals – maybe it is because of the peak of tourism season or is it the westerners appreciate our art forms better than we do?Entrance is free, parking is free (if you take your vehicle inside the Kanakkunnu palace premises) and the festival is on till Jan 26.
PS: News of another festival in Trivandrum City - Samudra Festival is at Tagore Theatre on 24th and 25th of January. A martial arts performance company from New Zealand, Torotoro is performing on 25, at 5.30 pm. I have a ticket for two.
