Rare art forms brought to the fore

Rare art forms like Toorpu Bhavatam and Chindu yakshaganam were performed on the third day of International Linguistic Day which is being observed by the Department of Language and Culture, Government of Andhra Pradesh in association with South Zone Culture centre, Tanjavur at Sri Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Government Music and Dance College.

This age old art forms is in the danger of fading out and needs to get a chance to be displayed statewide. B Sambamurthy and his troupe from Vizianagaram district traditionally presented “Bhamakalapam”. The artistes Sambamurthy performed as Satyabhama, Sankara Rao as Sri Krishna, Sriramulanaidu as Sutradhari and Balaram, Satyanarayana, Rambabu as Vantalu (supporters). This was instrumentally supported by M Krishnamurthy on dolak, G Gopal on harmonium. They wear traditional costumes and make up.

Another age old art form presented on the same stage was “Chindu Yakshaganam”, which was developed in the villages of Telangana state. Normally troupes will get the texts written by scholars and they present it in a simple and poetic manner. These groups have about 50 plays to perform. They make their own ornaments for characters and do their makeup themselves.

The artistes will sing and play the harmonium and dolak. The artistes of Yadagiri District have presented the ‘Keechaka vadha’ which was improvised with a traditional approach. The artistes Maheswar, Pasupathy, Chakrapani, Balanarayana, Bhujamgam, Anjaiah, Kanakaiah and Lalitha were the actors.

The cultural programmes ended with the dance feature ‘Telugu Talli’ presented by ‘Swatantra Bharathi’ Ramesh and his disciples. The Chief Guest of the function Dr Palle Raghunatha Reddy, Minister for Culture and tourism said that the State Government is promoting language and culture with the able guidance of the Chief Minister.

Devineni Umamaheswara Rao, Minister for Irrigation said that the State Government is developing Culture and Tourism in the state on par with other activities. On this occasion 36 poets were recognised and felicitated for their contribution to the Telugu language. The Cultural department Director D Vijayabhaskar conducted this event effeciently.