Idukki diocese launches special drive to conserve traditional art forms

Margamkali, Chavittu Nadakam, and Parichamuttukali are a mix of grace, drama, and energy. The initiative goes beyond the conservation perspective as it is also about rekindling pride in the Christian community’s cultural heritage woven with faith and identity

In a move to conserve the traditional art forms of the Christian community, the Idukki diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church has launched a programme to train the next generation in art forms such as Margamkali, Chavittu Nadakam, and Parichamuttukali.

These art forms are a mix of grace, drama, and energy that embodies the community’s rich heritage.

The initiative goes beyond the conservation perspective as it is also about rekindling pride in the community’s cultural heritage woven with faith and identity. For centuries, these art forms have brought to life stories of spirituality, heroism, and history.

Fr. Jins Karakkattu, director of the Idukki Diocese Media Commission, says the initiative is an effort to protect these art forms and popularise them among the community’s youth. “This is the first Catholic diocese to launch a special programme to protect the traditional art forms,” he says.

“The Syrian Catholic community boasts a wealth of traditional art forms, but the younger generation often is unaware of their importance and uniqueness. During a recent eparchial assembly, we recognised this and decided to provide training in these art forms,” says Fr. Jins Karakkattu.

Fr. Karakkattu says the initiative has received enthusiastic response from the community. “Our ancestors nurtured these art forms as part of the Catholic tradition. Now, our mission is to revive and spread their legacy within the community,” he says.

Echoing the sentiment, Bishop Mar John Nellikkunnel says the diocese plans to encourage training in these art forms under various religious institutions under it. “We plan to encourage the traditional Christian art forms by integrating them with various church activities and programmes,” he says.

As part of this endeavour, the diocese has decided to feature these art forms prominently in its events and competitions. “Traditional performances will now be a key component of all diocesan programmes, and they will also be introduced as competitive events to promote participation,” says Fr. Karakkattu.

The initiative made a promising start with the Kerala Catholic Students League under the Idukki diocese recently organising a Margamkali and Parichamuttukali competition at St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Murikkassery. The event saw enthusiastic participation of over 1,200 students.

In the Margamkali contest, Koompanpara school came first, followed by Mariyapuram, and Murikkassery schools. In the Parichamuttukali competition, Murikkassery school clinched the top spot, followed by Mariyapuram and Thankamani schools.

Published - November 29, 2024 07:49 pm IST