A three-day workshop on the distinctive Aranmula style of Vanchipattu, which sought to engage young generations of the region with the centuries-old tradition, drew to a close here on Monday.
Organised by the Palliyoda Seva Sanghom (PSS), an apex body of 52 palliyodams (snakeboats) participating in the annual Aranmula snakeboat regatta, in association with the Pathanamthitta district panchayat, the event witnessed participation by over 400 young men across the region.
Led by certified Vanchipattu masters and organised across three zones, the workshop had participants from all 52 neighbourhoods (karas) that has a palliyodam. The workshop, according to the organisers, initiated the participants into the fundamentals of this tradition, its unique styles of rendition, improvisations and so on.
Marking its conclusion, the participants, dressed identically in white dhoti and ‘melmundu’, assembled in front of the Aranmula Parthasarathy temple here on Monday morning and presented the songs in praise of the main deity. The performance was followed by distribution of certificates and felicitation of Vanchipattu masters.
K.S. Rajan, president of the PSS, inaugurated the valedictory session while Parthasarathy R. Pillai, secretary of the organisation, presided.
