Kuchipudi to host music, dance fest

Idea is to propagate the art form and highlight the village's heritage

• Artistes of the village struggle to support their families now
• Pandit Birju Mahararj to be honoured at the fest

HYDERABAD: Kuchipudi Art Academy, Chennai, and Akhila Bharata Kuchipudi Natya Kala Mandali, Kuchipudi, will organise సిద్ధేంద్ర యోగి మహోత్సవ్ (Siddhendra Yogi Mahotsav) at Kuchipudi (Natyakshetram) from February 26 to March 4.

The objective of this festival of music and dance is to highlight the heritage of Kuchipudi village in Krishna district as an abode of art and encourage artistes to propagate and take up this art form, said the organisers.

Over the centuries, the zeal of stalwarts kept this art alive in its traditional purity and their descendants had taken the art form beyond the confines of the State. However with declining patronage for the art form, the artistes in the village who struggle to support their families are now compelled to take up alternative careers.

The annual festival is being organised to serve as a platform to showcase the contribution of the stalwarts. Many renowned artistes will participate in the festival. Kathak dance maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj would be honoured with Siddhendra Yogi Puraskar, they said.

Courtesy: The Hindu