Temple artist takes event management route to promote Kerala’s cultural heritage

Kochi: A traditional temple artist in Kerala has taken the event management route to place the state’s rich cultural heritage on the world map. The cultural ethos of Kerala has become the signature of the events organised by the Kochi-based Kriti Entertainments run by Vineesh Kammath, a known temple percussionist.
Kriti’s commitment to showcase Kerala’s cultural diversity to the global audience was evident in the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), the state’s flagship tourism promotion event, held last month. The company had lined up over 200 artistes from Kerala who mesmerised the KTM delegates from different parts of the world with a variety of performances. Kriti has been organising the KTM for the past two years.

One of the highlights of Kriti Entertainments’ artistic events is the Edakka performance which is often featured in temple rituals. Kriti makes it a point to include Edakka on its events for the beats of the humble instrument has the ability to evoke a spiritual as well as emotional ambience. Vineesh Kammath, known for his mastery of instruments such as Edakka, said his background in temple performances prompted him to explore the scope of preserving the traditional arts by finding them a space at global events.

Kriti makes its events culturally rich with other performances including ‘Sopanasangeetham’, instrumental Jugalbandi, and panchavadyam.
Adding an enriching layer to the performances, Kriti events feature a unique storytelling sessions about Kerala. Skilled storytellers, both in Malayalam and English, narrate the state's history, legends, and folklore, including tales of kings, the origins of classical arts, and stories showcasing devotion and bravery. “With a focus on authenticity and artistic excellence, we aspire to become a global ambassador for Kerala’s cultural legacy. By collaborating with international platforms, festivals, and cultural institutions, Kriti aims to create a lasting impact, ensuring that the beauty and depth of Kerala’s artistic heritage continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Through this endeavour, Kriti Entertainments seeks to inspire greater awareness and appreciation for Kerala's music, dance, and folklore,” Vineesh said. He is the founder and secretary of the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Vadyakalakshethram, a school affiliated with the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi.

Vineesh’s efforts are supported by his brother Thuravur Rakesh Kammath, also an Edakka and Sopanasangeetham performer. Together, the siblings are known as Thuravoor Brothers. They had performed Sopanasangeetham at the BBC World’s Rhythm of India series telecast in 2019.