THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Mohiniyattam danseuse Bharati Sivaji has been selected for this year’s Nishagandhi Award. Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said here on Wednesday Governor Justice P Sathasivam will present the award comprising Rs 1,50,000, citation and plaque to Sivaji at the inaugural of the Nishagandhi fest here at 6.30 pm on Friday.
Bharati Sivaji who had been initiated into mohiniyattom 40 years ago had made several contributions to the art. She has founded the ‘Centre for mohiniyattom and co-authored a book - Art of Mohiniyattom.
A recipient of the Sangeeta Nataka Akademi award, Bharati had also been conferred the Padma Shri for her overall contributions to mohiniyattom.
A jury comprising tourism secretary V Venu, tourism director U V Jose, former chief secretary C P Nair, art critic and Sanskrit scholar V S Sarma, dancer Sunil Kothari and journalist Saraswathi Nagarajan decided the awardee.
Nishagandhi fest will begin with odissi performance by Aruna Mohanty and team.
Along with performances from acclaimed artists, a kathakali mela will also be held from January 20 to 26.
Asked why the music concerts were avoided in the fest, the Minister said originally the Nishagandhi festival was commenced as a dance fest. If necessary a separate festival for music could be conducted, he said.