What fun is it to live without satire? Humour-packed satirical performances are known to entertain audiences everywhere in the world. From stand-up comedians to late-night show hosts, satirists have been popular for their witty presentations. One of the earliest known satirical performers of this genre is Kunchan Nambiar – the acclaimed bard and satirist from Kerala. Nambiar developed the popular art form “Ottan Thullal” that still enthrals art lovers in Kerala. Ottan Thullal was much more than an art form; it was a social revolution that mocked the caste-ridden inequality that prevailed in society during the 17th century.
Kunchan Smarakam located in Killikurissimangalam in Palakkad is a living tribute to the great artist. His ancestral home named Kalakkath House in his birthplace Killikurissimangalam has been converted into the Kunchan Smarakam. An initiative by the Government of Kerala, Kunchan Smarakam hosts a ‘Kalithattu’ where Ottan Thullal and other traditional art forms are performed from time to time. There is a library with many books on Kerala’s rich cultural legacy and also a museum that showcases the costumes and paraphernalia of Ottan Thullal.
The memorial was opened in 1976 and every May 5th is observed here as Kunchan Day, with various performances and celebrations.
