Nam Marabu Series 1 (2026)
🗓️ Event Dates: February 11th – 15th, 2026
👤 Master Artisan:
Mr. Gopi ArumugamProfile: Hailing from the cultural heartland of Thanjavur, Mr. Arumugam brings over 20 years of expertise to the art form. A practitioner certified by the South Indian Art & Cultural Department, he has successfully transitioned from a traditional village performer to a structured instructor, effectively bridging the gap between ritual practice and formal education.
🎭 About the Art Form:
Origins: Kittiyattam is a vibrant and rare Tamil folk dance tradition deeply rooted in the agrarian and temple festival culture of South India. Historically, it served as a communal expression of joy and spiritual devotion during harvest seasons.
Technique: The "Salangai Kittiyattam" variant is characterized by the use of Salangai (musical ankle bells) and Kitti (small wooden sticks rhythmic clappers). It is a high-energy performance demanding precision, stamina, and intricate footwork that mimics the percussive patterns of the Thavil and Parai drums.