17th Kathakali Festival Commences at Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai

The 17th Kathakali Festival, organized by the Kalakshetra Foundation under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, was inaugurated at the Bharat Kalakshetra auditorium in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai. Running from September 18 to 20, 2026, the theme of this three-day celebration is "Katha Rasa Sangam - The Confluence of the Essence of Stories."

Mr. K.K. Mishra (IRTS), Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest. Mr. Suresh Kumar Chikkala, Director of the Kalakshetra Foundation, was also present on the occasion. Through this festival, three prominent Kathakali institutions—Sadanandam Academy, Kerala Kalamandalam, and Margi Theatre—have been brought together on a single platform.

The festival commenced with the play "Mandodari" presented by the Sadanandam Academy. Based on the Ramayana, the performance depicts Mandodari's reaction to the death of Ravana. On September 19, Kerala Kalamandalam will present "The Old Man and the Sea," based on Ernest Hemingway's famous novel, showcasing the struggle and perseverance of the fisherman Santiago. The festival will conclude on September 20 with the Margi Theatre's presentation of "Rukmangada Charitam," which is based on the test of devotion and faith of King Rukmangada.

In addition to the cultural programs, lecture-demonstrations will be held daily from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Rukmini Arangam, followed by Kathakali performances by the students of the Kalakshetra Foundation.

Notably, the Kalakshetra Foundation was established in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale. The foundation has played a significant role in the development of Bharatanatyam as well as the preservation and promotion of India's classical arts, traditional music, dance, and craft heritage.