Kelath Aravindakshan Marar

Kelath Aravindakshan Marar (1942 – 5 May 2024) was an Indian Chenda artist. He hailed from Ollur in Thrissur district of Kerala, India. Aravindakshan Marar was a regular presence in Thrissur Pooram's Ilanjiththara Melam,^[1] Peruvanam Pooram, Arattupuzha Pooram, Thrippunithura temple festival, Irinjalakuda Koodalmanikyam temple festival and other major temple festivals.^[2]

Kelath Aravindakshan Marar
Kelath Aravindakshan Marar performing Melam
Background information
Born	1942 (1942) Ollur, Trichur, Kingdom of Cochin, India
Died	5 May 2024 (aged 82) Thrissur, Kerala, India
Occupation	Percussion Artist
Instrument	Chenda
Years active	1954–2024

Marar was trained in percussion by his father Makoth Sankarankutty Marar. After completing his studies, he made his debut performance during Navarathri festival at Edakkunni temple at the age of 12. Marar died at Thrissur on 5 May 2024, aged 82.^[3][4]

Awards and recognition

• Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award for Kerala Musical Instructions - 2011 ^[5][6]
• Sriramapada golden medal from Thriprayar Temple in 2019

References

1. "Thrissur Pooram retains its grandeur and excitement". The Times of India. 14 May 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
2. "Thrissur may host big elephant fete". The Hindu. 30 November 2019.
3. "കേളത്ത് അരവിന്ദാക്ഷമാരാർ അന്തരിച്ചു". Mathrubhumi. 6 May 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
4. "Renowned percussionist Kelath Aravindhaksha Marar passes away at 82". New Indian Express. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
5. https://www.news18.com/news/india/sangeetha-nataka-akademi-awards-announced-436275.html Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Awards announced
6. http://www.keralaculture.org/keraleeya-vadyangal-a-ksna/470 Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala. Awards