Kriti Entertainments: Temple artist’s event management firm on a mission to promote Kerala’s heritage arts

• Edakka, sopanasangeetham and storytelling among highlights
• Vineesh Kammath of Sopanasangeetham fame Thuravoor Brothers is Kriti’s MD

Kriti Entertainments, a Kochi-based event management company, has made it a mission to place Kerala’s rich cultural heritage on the world map. The organisation’s commitment to showcase the cultural diversity of the southern state has been evident in the national and international events it has organised; the latest being the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), the state’s flagship tourism promotion event. Kriti Entertainments, headed by Vineesh Kammath who is a passionate traditional temple percussionist, had lined up over 200 artistes from Kerala who mesmerised the KTM delegates from different parts of the world with a variety of performances showcasing the state’s artistic heritage. Kriti has been organising the KTM for the past two years.

Through the performances, Kriti aims to immerse audiences in the beauty of Kerala, offering a unique blend of music, storytelling, and cultural expressions.

One of the highlights of Kriti Entertainments’ artistic events is the Edakka performance. ‘Edakka’ is a traditional drum that holds a special place in Kerala’s cultural and spiritual practices, and often featured in temple rituals and classical music performances. At its events, Kriti is keen to entertain the audience with an impeccable Edakka performance for the humble instrument is noted for evoking a spiritual as well as emotional connect with the listeners.

Sopanasangeetham to storytelling

‘Sopanasangeetham’, an ancient style of devotional music rooted in the temples of Kerala, is another major attraction of Kriti’s cultural feast. Known for its serene and meditative qualities, Sopanasangeetham is usually performed at the steps of the sanctum sanctorum during temple rituals.

Kriti also showcases an instrumental Jugalbandi, a captivating fusion of classical Indian instruments. Traditional Kerala instruments such as ‘Chenda’, ‘Veena’ and Flute are brought together to create a harmonious interplay of melody and rhythm, resulting in a lively and dynamic musical experience that captivates the audience. Videos of the Jugalbandi presented at KTM were viral on social media. Panchavadyam performances, curated by Kriti in different durations, have also become a highlight of the organisation’s events.

Adding an enriching layer to the performances, Kriti features a unique storytelling sessions about Kerala. Skilled storytellers, both in Malayalam and English, narrate the state’s history, legends, and folklore, including tales of kings, the origins of classical arts, and stories showcasing devotion and bravery. By combining performances with storytelling, Kriti creates a unique platform where ancient traditions are celebrated, ensuring their relevance in today’s world. Vineesh Kammath is of the opinion that the storytelling sessions have become more popular than standup comedies.

Vineesh’s vision

Vineesh Kammath, known for his mastery of instruments such as Edakka, said his background in temple performances obviously prompted him to explore the scope of preserving the traditional arts by finding them a space at global events. Vineesh said he grew up surrounded by Kerala’s vibrant temple culture, instilling in him a deep reverence for the spiritual significance of percussion.

Vineesh is not only a performer but also an educator, sharing his knowledge of Kerala’s percussive traditions with younger generations. He is the founder and secretary of the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Vadyakalakshethram, a school affiliated with the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi. As many as XXXX students have been trained at the Vadyakalakshethram at XXXXX.

Vineesh’s efforts are firmly supported by his brother Thuravur Rakesh Kammath, also an Edakka performer and Sopanasangeetham maestro. Together, the siblings are known as Thuravoor Brothers. They had performed Sopanasangeetham at the BBC World’s Rhythm of India series telecast in 2019. The performance was shot at the famed Narasimha Murthy Temple in Thuravoor.

Vineesh said Kriti Entertainments aims to expand its vision of promoting Kerala’s artistic heritage on a global scale. Ensuring that the richness of Kerala’s traditions are appreciated by a diverse audience, Kriti is planning to blend classical art forms with contemporary appeal through its performances.

“With a focus on authenticity and artistic excellence, we aspire to become a global ambassador for Kerala’s cultural legacy. By collaborating with international platforms, festivals, and cultural institutions, Kriti aims to create a lasting impact, ensuring that the beauty and depth of Kerala’s artistic heritage continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Through this endeavour, Kriti Entertainments seeks to inspire greater awareness and appreciation for Kerala’s music, dance, and folklore,” Vineesh explains the organisation’s vision.