MUSCAT: Kavithakoottam Muscat, a group of passionate poetry enthusiasts, organised an event titled ‘Keleeravam’, to celebrate the century-old lyrics of the revered Malayalam poet Mahakavi Kumaran Asan.

The event held at Al Falaj Hotel in Muscat captivated audiences where Kumaran Asan’s poetic brilliance was brought to life through a stunning fusion of music, dance, and visual art in one of the show’s most memorable segments.

Kavithakoottam Muscat, a relatively young group founded by a passionate collective of poetry enthusiasts, is led by President Salomi Chacko and Secretary Sujith Thiruvonam, along with a dedicated core committee.

This event served as a heartfelt tribute to Mahakavi Kumaranasan on the 100th anniversary of his death, celebrating his lasting literary legacy.

One of the standout segments, Sreebhoovilathira, brought Kumaran Asan’s work to life through a vibrant blend of traditional South Indian art forms. The evening’s performances captivated the audience, holding them spellbound long after the final note had been played.

The event was a true visual feast, seamlessly combining vivid colors, soul-stirring lyrics, and a graceful interplay of poetry with music and dance. Malayalam actor Prem Kumar, Chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy, graced the occasion, while a rapt audience was transported back to their school days, evoking memories of the first time they encountered Kumaran Asan’s timeless verses.

Kumaranasan, a legendary figure in Malayalam literature, was part of the celebrated literary triumvirate alongside Vallathol Narayana Menon and Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer. In 1922, Madras University honored him with the title Mahakavi (Great Poet), a testament to his profound influence on Malayalam literature. The suffix ‘Asan’—meaning ‘scholar’ or ‘teacher’—reflects his multifaceted role as not only a poet but also a philosopher and social reformer.

The show highlighted five iconic characters from Kumaran Asan’s famous works Karuna, Chandalabhikshuki, and Nalini, bringing them to life through five classical South Indian dance forms: Kathakali, Bharatanatyam, Kerala Nadanam, Mohiniyattam, and Ottan Thullal. These choreographed performances celebrated Kumaran Asan’s literary contributions, offering the audience a deeper, more immersive experience of his timeless themes.

“This performance is an effort to honor one of India’s greatest poets, whose work sparked a revolution in poetry in the early 20th century,” said Gokuldas, the director of the show. “Kumaranasan transformed poetry from the metaphysical to the lyrical, inspiring his contemporaries to express themselves more authentically. His works are notable for their commitment to societal and moral values, their dramatic intensity, and their spiritual depth. We believe this is a fitting tribute to such a monumental poet,” he added.