Master of the ensemble, Peruvanam Kuttan Marar. The history of Kerala’s indigenous music unravels the real-life story of many eminent artistes whose sacred mission was the preservation and promotion of melam.Most of them had a hand-to-mouth existence. Hailing from a family that belonged to a community linked to percussion in temples, Kuttan Marar grew up listening to and participating in a host of liturgical practices associated with indigenous percussion instruments. Apart from his father, Peruvanam Appu Marar, he had his training on the chenda under the renowned guru Kumarapuram Appu Marar. Those who listened to the endless repetitions of vocal music or drums in the temples were guided more by devotion than by an aesthetic propensity. Such an ambience instilled in Kuttan a deep sense of obligation towards various genres of temple music unmindful of any feedback from the audience. Kuttan has successfully pushed the boundaries of the melam by making it accessible to temples in south Kerala and in the cultural festivities held outside India, especially in West Asia. Notable recognitions Kuttan has won so far include Padmashri, Pallavoor Appu Marar Puraskaram instituted by the Government of Kerala, fellowship from the Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademi and several other honours from different private organisations. Few clicks during #Tyndis shoot. #TyndisExperience #keralatourism #kuttanmarar #thrissur #temple #keralagram #incredibleindia #culture #percussion #legend #templemusic #thrissurpooram #southindia #stories (at Thrissur) https://www.instagram.com/p/CXlSN2DPGCb/?utm_medium=tumblr
