Picture yourself sailing through Kerala, India's peaceful backwaters on board a luxury houseboat in Alleppey. You are treated to a wonderful spectacle as the sun sets, bathing the water with an orange glow: a Kathakali performance performed directly on the deck of your houseboat. This houseboat is not just any houseboat—it is the Exotica Houseboat, famous for offering unmatched experiences and services.
Kathakali: The Dance of Storytelling
One the most complex forms of Indian theater is kathakali, a traditional kind of classical Indian dance. It is a "story play" art form that originated in Kerala's southwest and is characterized by the lavishly colorful costumes and make-up worn by the traditional male actor-dancers. Although the exact origins of kathakali are unknown, it is thought to have started in the 16th century. To convey concepts, it combines choreography, vocalists, music, and hand and facial movements.
Exotica Houseboat: A Paradise on Water
The objective of the Exotica Houseboat is to offer you with the ultimate in luxury, comfort, style, and hospitality. It is a floating paradise. With furnished interiors, roomy lounges, and beautiful windows that bring the scenic surroundings right to your doorstep, every Kerala boat house in their fleet is a monument to luxury. They have a selection of houseboats ranging from ultra luxury to deluxe, premium, and super luxury houseboats .
Kathakali on the Houseboat
A Kathakali performance is one of the rare opportunities that Exotica Houseboat provides guests as part of their cultural programs. The houseboat's deck becomes a stage, with the backwaters' peaceful backdrop providing an interesting contrast against the Kathakali performers' vivid colors. Under the constellations of stars, the Kathakali dancers' emotional storytelling, lavish costumes, and intricate makeup mix for a breathtaking entertainment.
Our Kathakali Artist kalamandalam Ganeshan
We are adding something special about our Kathakali performer, Kalamandalam Ganeshan. We believe that artists like him deserve worldwide appreciation. In 1972, under the guidance of his guru, Nedumudi Nanunayar, Ganesh made his debut performance at Kalarcode Mahadeva Kshethram. After completing his degree, his strong admiration for Kathakali led him to Kerala Kalamandalam in 1980. There, Ganeshan trained under the guidance of his gurus: Shree Mankomb Shankarappila, Sree Kalamandalam Rajashekaran, and Sree Kalamandalam Presanakumaran. In 1987, Kalamandalam Ganeshan achieved the first rank in his diploma from Kalamandalam. He has been honored by the central government with a Junior Fellowship.
Ganeshan has performed all over the world, captivating audiences in places like the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy. Currently, he inspires younger generations by teaching about these ancient art forms during his free time. Kalamandalam Ganeshan is running kathakali school under the name “alappuzha natyakala” and has a experience over 50 years.
Let’s explore some of Kalamandalam Ganeshan’s famous works:
“Lekhanasamaharam” - Kathakaliyum Angyabashayill Aksharangal This wonderfully established book covers the specifics of Kathakali, including expressive gestural representation, body kinetics, and dance movements. It’s a valuable addition for enthusiasts of this alluring art form.
Other Works
- Ravanayanam
- Gurudeva Mahothovam
These fall under the category of “attakathakal.” Ganeshan has written about 18 “attakatha” based on puranas, history, ithihas, and social issues. Additionally, he has authored over 90 works on Mohiniyattam, Bharathanatyam, Keralanadanam, and Kuchuputty.
Kalamandalam Ganeshan’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of Kathakali and beyond.
Conclusion
Therefore, if you have thoughts on travelling Kerala, you might wish to book anultra luxury houseboat in Alleppey. In addition to enjoying the luxury of the houseboat and the peace of the backwaters, you will get the opportunity to see a Kathakali performance, which showcases Kerala's rich cultural legacy. It looks to be a trip that will never be remembered.