Carnival 2009-a recap
With its endless expanse of greenery Wayanad always attracted travelers from time immemorial. Word by word the pristine glory reached each nook and cranny of the globe. And since 1999, Wayanad Tourism Organisation (WTO) also has been chipping its share in promoting the destination
The Carnival
Started in 2009, the Wayanad carnival catapulted the destination into the world tourism map. It also contributed strengthening relationships between tourism industry and local people. In a bid to expose local talents a variety of agrarian games items were organised in far-flung hamlets. The traditional activities of tribal folk like crab-catching and archery, showcased in the carnival, were turned to be crowd pullers.
Inspiring the rural populace:
 |
The mud football was an interesting item that provided everlasting embarrassment for visitors as they had a unique experience of the foot-balling in the mud, when 18 teams clashed for a ball in the slush of the paddy fields. The farming activities like paddy transplantation and areca nut climbing also found their way into the games list.The mud football was an interesting item that provided everlasting embarrassment for visitors as they had a unique experience of the foot-balling in the mud, when 18 teams clashed for a ball in the slush of the paddy fields.The farming activities like paddy transplantation and areca nut climbing also found their way into the games list.
|
Madhavi Vijayan, a tribal grandma was the winner in the crab-catching tour. She dexterously picked up 38 crabs from their holes in just 42 minutes.Other interesting items in the outdoor-menu were water rafting, tug-of-war, peeling the banana trunk, hitting the pot etc.
Thousands of visitors including dignitaries like Roland Michaud, 80, noted French photographer who grabbed wide attention with his youthful movements, witnessed the spectacular scenes.
promoting classical art-forms in a big way
 |
The Gazal Night by Sreenivas and Gayathri was one which helped the music lovers here much, to know the real Gazal with all its philosophical, musical and poetic grandeur. Unlike Gazal fans of other districts, the Gazal lovers here, seldom get chance to give ears, straight to the Gazal masters. With the singers, the enchanted audience also elevated to the zenith of musical heights. |
The Gazal Night by Sreenivas and Gayathri was one which helped the music lovers here much, to know the real Gazal with all its philosophical, musical and poetic grandeur. Unlike Gazal fans of other districts, the Gazal lovers here, seldom get chance to give ears, straight to the Gazal masters. With the singers, the enchanted audience also elevated to the zenith of musical heights.
 |
Another embarrassing experience was Ragavadyalayam, a fusion of Chenda and Nadaswaram. It was a musical feast, both to the eye and the ear. Mattannur Shankarankutti, the Chenda magician and Pallavoor Krishnankutti, the wizard in Nadaswaram, along with 11 artists and supported by keyboard master Gireesh Ulliyeri, created a rare symphony of sorts.
|
 |
Another ever memorable attraction of the carnival was Mayooram, the dance show which was a blend of ‘classical, folk and fusion’. The item was a delicate but amazing mixture of the classical dance, modern dance, indigenous art-forms like Kadhakali and the martial arts. Staged by Sithara Balakrishnan and team, the programme left an eternal imprint on every one’s mind.
Words are insufficient to explicate the grace with which Sithara performed on the stage. Her spirit radiated to the audience. And each scene is vibrant with telling evidences for her dedication. The techniques of Kalari, the traditional martial art-form of Kerala, postures of Yoga and various other ‘dance forms’ have been meticulously
|
incorporated into dance, creating an exciting visual impact.The orchestra of Vijay Yesudas (son of the music legend K J Yesudas), the rock show Thunder Rock staged by Band Fuel, Samanuayam, a blend of folk-song and folk dance, Rain Bow, a musical combination of rain songs in Hindi, Malayalam and Tamil and finally the Mega Show, a ‘dance and music’ extravaganza, were the other startling items in the week-long carnival.
Catering to social needs: Apart from mere celebrations.
A popular carnival committed to the society is one close to people which also attends the needs of its people as well as its clientele.
Apart from the gala, there were many items in the carnival that helped the local people in many ways. Hundreds of children were benefited from the painting competition organised for students. Noted artists guided the students in the session.
The competitions in cookery provided a rare opportunity for women of the district to test their culinary talents. Dr. Jithendranath, noted physician and social activist, led a session on Career Development for youth. For the nascent photographers, a special session on Digital Photography also was held. Firoz, noted photographer took classes. A competition in ‘Nature Photography’ was held in order to encourage photographers in the district.
