Kuchipudi that is so much a part of the "Telugu heritage" of Andhra Pradesh, originated in a tiny village.
This place was initially gifted to the artists living there, by the Golkonda Nawab, Abdul Hasan Tanisha.
From the first performers the technique and skills of this form got handed over the generations, all the while evolving and undergoing changes to acquire the present form.
Exquisite Telugu lyrics and Sanskrit verses add meaning and depth to dance movements of pure rhythm, all the while rendering a story dramatically in different moods.
It is thanks to the relentless efforts of some stalwarts of Kuchipudi, that this dance form has gained both national and global recognition and enjoys a unique place in the world of dance today.
Although the artists and Gurus residing in the village of Kuchipudi are still faced with several difficulties and obstacles, they are managing to keep the art alive and flourishing, with their hard-work and dedication. For decades, this traditional dance form is performed as part of a ritual that takes place every year in the small village.
The first Kuchipudi festival "Siddhendra Yogi Prathama Varshika Jayanthi Utsavam" was held in December of 1948 and was organized by "Sri Lalitha Natya Kala Samithi" with the participation of several important dancers (like Vempati Chinna Satyam and students, Vedantam Parvatesam and students) and patrons of Kuchipudi.
Since then, the Kuchipudi festival is being conducted annually. Now it is organized jointly by both Kuchipudi Art Academy, Chennai and Akhila Bharatha Kuchipudi Natya Kala Mandali, under the leadership of Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam and Sri Pasumarthi Kesava Prasad with the support of Mrs. Jayapriya Vikraman of Nagabharana Trust. Chennai.
This year the Kuchipudi Siddhendra Yogi Mahotsav 2009 will be on from March 6 to 12. It aims at showcasing solo performances and ballets of distinguished young artistes of international reputation.
The objective behind this enterprising initiative is to bring the rich cultural heritage of Kuchipudi to limelight and mark this tiny village on the map as an abode of art and encourage more artists and residents to pursue their careers in propagating and perpetuating the art form.
Sadly though, this art depends on the patronage of well wishers. The historical significance and the rich heritage that the village of Kuchipudi possesses are known to a few. Siddhendra Yogi Mahotsav is the first step towards bringing awareness about this village at an international level.
In 2006 we created a memorial park called "Smruti Sadanam" with seven bust size bronze statues of the Kuchipudi legends. In 2007 we constructed an arch at the entrance of the Kuchipudi village which depicts the 108 Karnas on both the sides.
This year we are planning to erect a 7 ½ feet solid bronze statue of saint Siddhendra Yogi in a dance posture. Both the arch and the Siddhendra Yogi statue have been sponsored by the business community.
This year's festival is dedicated to late Chinta Venkataramayya garu, the Pitamaha of Kuchipudi Yakshaganam.
We are also celebrating his 150th year of his birth. On this occasion, we are honoring one eminent artiste for his/her life time contribution for the promotion of Yakshaganam / Dance Drama tradition with an award titled "CHINTA VENKATARAMAYYA PURASKAR" and a cash purse of Rs.50,000.
The festival includes dance performances by eminent artistes (approx. 14 groups) from the fields of Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathak, Kathakali, Koodiyattam, Manipuri and students of Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam.
As a tribute to the Yakshagana Pitamaha, traditional Kuchipudi Yakshaganam will be performed by Kuchipudi artistes on all seven days.
We are also providing free workshop on Kuchipudi dance and lectures Demo /seminars on Nayaki Lakshanam (Astavidha Nayakis) conducted by Jonnalagadda Anuradha and Kuchipudi Art Academy as part of the morning sessions.
Programme schedule will be available ina few days.
For details contact Venkat Vempati at 0-9840077376 or e-mail at vempati@kuchipudi.com
Read report on the Kuchipudi Fest of 2006
