ALAPPUZHA: The Sreedevi Vilasam Hindumatha Convention, a devotee outfit at Chettikulangara temple, has banned two Kuttiyotta samithis, including that run by Vijayaraghava Kurup, a prominent Kuttiyottam artiste.
Convention secretary R. Rajeshkumar said in a statement that they had found Kalakshetra Kuttiyotta Samithi run by Vijayaraghava Kurup had breached tradition by including a woman in the Kuttiyottam.
The Shailanandhini Kuttiyotta Samithi run by brothers Pradeep and Pramod was banned on the charges of breaching customs and traditions.
The statement says these asans (masters) carried out Kuttiyottam breaching its basic principle and that their act had defamed all 13 karas (constituency) under the convention and hurt the sentiments of devotees. “So these asans and Kuttiyotta Samithis have been banned from February 23 to 2020 Kumba Bharani festival. They will not be allowed to carry out any form of Kuttiyottams during the ban period,” it says.
Kurup, 60 has been practising Kuttiyottams for over four decades, including in the Gulf countries. He gave a modern touch to Kuttiyottam with ‘Kummi pattu’ and was felicitated by Kerala Folklore Academy in 2004.
Kurup told DC that he was saddened by the ban. The recent provocation was a programme held in Dubai where one girl came to the stage and shook her leg following our steps. “They say Kuttiyottam is male-centric folk art from which is deplorable. This is violation of the freedom of expression and right to live. I will move the court after February 22,” Kurup said.
