kalasagar award 2026

May 18, 2026

Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval
102nd Birth Anniversary Celebration
– In Memory of a Birthday –
Kalasagar Awards Presentation on May 28

Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval was a great artist who is still remembered with love by the world of Kathakali enthusiasts — a rare presence deeply etched in Kerala’s cultural heritage. His life and artistic journey left an unforgettable mark in the rhythmic world of Kathakali in the truest sense. Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval, the legendary master of Kathakali chenda who transformed the fierce percussion instrument into a divine medium flowing with nectar-like rhythm, founder of Kalasagar, and a towering genius who left his unique imprint on every sphere of Kathakali — the composite art form of dance, music, and acting — will be remembered through the celebration of his 102nd birth anniversary, “In Memory of a Birthday,” on May 28. The event is being organized by Kalasagar in association with the Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair Memorial Trust.

In memory of Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval, this year’s Kalasagar Awards will honour distinguished personalities who have excelled in various fields connected with Kathakali, his principal sphere of artistic work. The awardees are:

Shri K. B. Raj Anand – Art Criticism, Shri Kalluvazhi Vasu – Vesham, Shri Kottakkal P. D. Namboothiri – Music, Shri Kalamandalam Narayanankutty & Smt. Kalamandalam Vijayamaniyamma – Chenda, Shri Kodassery Parameswaran Nair – Maddalam, Shri Kottakkal Ramachandran – Chutti

On Thursday, May 28, at 5:00 PM, the commemorative meeting in honour of the Acharya will commence at the Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair Memorial Hall. The welcome address and introductory speech for the celebration will be delivered by Vellinezhi Anand.

The remembrance meeting, presided over by T. K. Achyuthan, President of Kalasagar, will be inaugurated by Padmashri Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar, Patron-in-Chief, Kalasagar. Sri. K. C. Narayanan, former Chief Editor of Bhashaposhini, will deliver the memorial address. Sri. V. Kaladharan will speak on the non-percussion artistic perspectives of Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval.

Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan, former Principal of Kerala Kalamandalam, will introduce this year’s Kalasagar award recipients to the audience. Peethambaran Anamangad, Secretary of the Vazhenkada Kunchu Nair Memorial Trust, will deliver the vote of thanks.

Following the award presentation, the Kathakali performance Keechakavadham will be staged with the following artistes: