Carnatic vocal concert by Pattabhiram Pandit

Pattabhirama Pandit at the Swati Tirunal Sangita Sabha on Tyagaraja Day.

Russian Ballet

The Russian Ballet group Altai performed at the Tagore Auditorium, Trivandrum on Friday, 25th March 2010 to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the inauguration of the Russian Cultural Centre in Trivandrum. The troupe of over 25 members performed a variety of dance forms to a rapt audience.

Senegalese Band

BBC Sound System, a Senegalese band based in France performed at the Nishagandhi open air theatre, Trivandrum. They played a blend of African melodies, hip hop and salsa. Their lively performance was appreciated by the goodly weekend crowd squatting in the amphitheatre galleries.

Kadinamkulam, poor man's Vembanad

Thanks to Google maps, I discovered Kadinamkulam on a Saturday evening. It is just 12Kms from Kazhakuttam, the seat of Technopark. You proceed on NH 47 and turn into Vettu road. It takes you to the junction at St. Andrews. Turn right (North) at St. Andrews and proceed for about 4-5 Kms to Mariyanad Kadinamkulam lake is just 1 km from this junction. For locals, this just an everyday sight, but to me it appeared like a poor man's Vembanad. A country boat can ferry you to the other bank (Mrukkampuzha) in about 15 minutes.On the way from Kazhakootam you can also enjoy the isolated beaches at St.Andrews, Vettiyathura and also some magnificent churches and one or two small temples.

Kilimanoor Palace of Raja Ravi Varma

Kilimanoor is about 40 Kms from Trivandrum on the MC Road (to Kottayam). Kilimanoor was the place where Raja Ravi Varma was born and brought up. Even while working in Bombay or Baroda he used to visit his town at least twice a year to coincide with the festivals in the temples of the town and the palace. According to the family, his visit was a great occasion of the villagers as he always carries gifts for many of them. Swathi Thitunal has also spent a part of his childhood here. The property is owned by the family . Recently, the Government has given a grant for the restoration. There are plans to start an eco-friendly artists' village.


A portion of the palace which Ravi Varma constructed, but could not occupy as he died before the designatged date.

Main entrance to the property.

Chakyar Koothu

Chakyar Koothu at Margi

Dull

Not much activities on the cultural scene in the last few days.