As part of the Ernakulam Siva temple festival 'Nangyar Koothu' was performed by artist Salini Harikrishnan on 12th January 2019 at the newly built Koothambalam in the temple premises. The artist performed the story of 'Narasimhavatharam'.
'Nangyar Koothu' is an allied traditional art of Koodiyattam, an age-old Sanskrit drama tradition of India. It is performed traditionally by the women of the Ambalavasi Nambiar community of Kerala, called Nangyaramma, hence the name 'Nangyar Koothu'.
Since the second half of the 20th century much has changed in this solo performance which has a proud heritage of 1500 years.
Most noteworthy fact is that in a period of male hegemony 'Nangyar Koothu' was the sole domain of female artistes.
Usually the subject matter of the performance is taken from 'Sree Krishna Charitam', the story of Lord Krishna.
During the performance the actress presents the long-winded stories of Lord Krishna through hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to the accompaniment of instrumental tunes.
Salini Harikrishnan is the daughter and student of Smt. Kalamandalam Girija, who made history by being the first person to learn and teach 'Nangyar Koothu' from outside the 'Nangyar' community. Salini who is a college lecturer has undergone training in Nangyar Koothu under the Guru Kula system.
Salini’s performance was praiseworthy for the expressions (rasas) that appeared and disappeared from her face in a matter of minutes. She successfully took the audience to the mythical world of Hiranyakasipu where Narasimha took avathara.
Temple festivals continue to provide a great opportunity for the public to understand and enjoy traditional art forms.