Chenda maestro Marar turns 60

Kochi: Percussion maestro Peruvanam Kuttan Marar, a  synonym for artistic excellence in Kerala, turns 60 on Tuesday.

Kuttan Marar, an international figure,  will  celebrate the occasion by presenting a ‘Panchari ensemble’ at the Sree Poornathrayesa temple in Trippunithura, near here. This will be followed by a day-long celebration hosted by admirers, disciples and well-wishers at the Kalikotta Palace hall here.

“I regard this as a great moment in my life, to celebrate my birthday by performing in front of Poornathrayesan,” he said.

Having led the percussion orchestra by the Paramekkavu Devaswom in Thrissur Pooram for the last 15 years, he sees his success and experiences as part of a learning process.

And he modestly attributed his success to the good fortune of “being in the right place at the right time” and performing alongside several doyens of percussion music.

“Teaming up with a group of talented young percussionists and performing live amidst a roaring crowd is indeed an exciting experience,” he added.