17th Kathakali Festival Begins at Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai with Cultural Grandeur

The 17th Kathakali Festival was inaugurated at the Bharat Kalakshetra Auditorium in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai. Organised by the Kalakshetra Foundation under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Culture, the three-day event is scheduled from September 18 to 20, 2026. The festival is themed 'Katha Rasa Sangam - The Confluence of the Essence of Stories'.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by K.K. Mishra, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, who attended as the chief guest. Suresh Kumar Chickala, Director of the Kalakshetra Foundation, was also present to mark the occasion. The festival aims to preserve the rich heritage of Kathakali and bring it to a wider audience.

The festival opened with a performance of 'Mandodari' by the Sadanam Academy. Based on the Ramayana, the production depicts the final moments of Ravana's life and the reaction of Mandodari to his demise.

On September 19, the Kerala Kalamandalam will present a Kathakali adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's classic novel, 'The Old Man and the Sea'. This performance will highlight the patience, determination, and struggle of the fisherman Santiago.

The event will conclude on September 20 with 'Rugmangada Charitam', presented by the Margi Theatre. This performance explores the devotion of King Rugmangada and the trials faced in his adherence to Ekadashi.

In addition to the main performances, lecture-demonstrations are being held daily from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Rukmini Arangam. These sessions are followed by performances by students of the Kalakshetra Foundation.

Established in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale, the Kalakshetra Foundation has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting India's classical arts. The foundation has contributed significantly to the evolution of Bharatanatyam and continues to support the dissemination of traditional music, dance, and craft forms through education and performance.