KOCHI: Kadhaprasangam, the art form which entertained the audience by dramatically presenting stories with the accompaniment of songs, is turning 100 years old. The first Kadhaprasangam was presented by Alappuzha native CA Sathyadevan with the blessings of Sree Narayana Guru in Kollavarsham 1099 (indigenous calendar of Kerala). He presented poet Kumaranashan's 'Chandalabhikshuki' in the form of Kadhaprasangam. The songs were written by Pandit Karuppan. It was performed at Kelapanashan's primary school in Chendamangalam near North Paravur. Dr P Palpu and Kumaranashan were present to provide support.

It was the art form of Harikatha that turned into Kadhaprasangam, which imparted strength to the advancement of the Kerala Renaissance. Dr Palpu and Kumaranashan saw Harikatha, which was confined to temples with plots revolving around godly incarnations and mythological legends, as a means of calling out social realities. That is why 'Chandalabhikshuki', which depicted the meaninglessness of caste customs, was chosen as the first story.

After Sathyadevan, KK Vadhyar, Joseph Kaimaparamban, MP Manmathan, V. Sambasivan, Kedamangalam Sadanandan, V Harshakumar, Kadavoor Balan, Thevarthottam Sukumaran, Ayilam Unnikrishnan etc played important roles in the growth of Kadhaprasangam.

Before the first performance, Kumaranashan had insisted on knowing Gurudeva's opinion. Accordingly, Sathyadevan reached Sivagiri. "Don't abuse anyone harshly. The unethical royal justice and the immoral practices committed by the Brahmins in the name of Hindu dharma can be abused in polite language without hurting anyone," Gurudeva advised as he gave permission.

Kumaranashan's permission

CA Sathyadevan (Neelakandan) was attracted to 'Harikatha' when he was in Tamil Nadu for work-related purposes. The desire to make something like that in Malayalam led to his meeting with Kumaranashan. After getting Kumaranashan's permission, he also visited Dr. Palpu in Ernakulam. It was on Dr Palpu's instructions that he went and saw Pandit Karuppan.

Centenary celebration

Pu.Ka.S and the library groups of North Paravur are preparing for the centenary celebration of Kadhaprasangam. The celebrations will last one year. A kadhaprasangam training course has also been planned for the students from December 28 to 30.