Our Visitors Program
a glimpse behind the scenes
A typical program includes the following elements (please reserve 2-3 hours):
traditional Indian welcome with flowers, rose water, sandal paste and karkandu (sugar candy)
witnessing the make-up process while Dr. Hanne M. de Bruin-Rajagopal introduces you to Kattaikkuttu, its social status, performances and rituals
live Kattaikkuttu demonstration
opportunity to have a photo-op with the artists in full costume
(optional) a traditional, vegetarian South Indian lunch prepared with the produce from our organic farm
(optional) a guided tour of the farm
A performance starts with a puja (worship or prayer) followed by the make-up. This intricate process, which can take up more than one hour, is the beginning of the transformation of an actor from self into character. The transformation continues when the actor comes onstage behind a hand-held curtain to introduce himself through a series of songs. It culminates when the curtain is whisked away, allowing the spectator to see the character for the first time in his full glory.
The Visitors Program is uniquely fit for travel organizations catering to guests interested in India’s rich performance culture, education and social reality. Through this Program you allow your customers a unique, immersive experience into a part of Indian culture and life that is real and non-touristic and that usually remains out of bounds.
We serve individual guests and groups and have worked with international travel experts, such as Peirce & Leslie and Studiosus, as well as with a number of Indian travel organizations.
2-day immersive stay
Stay with us in our spacious guestrooms and get to know our rich art and culture intimately.
In addition to an introduction to Kattaikkuttu live with expert explanations and a photo-op, you will get a hands-on taste of traditional South Indian cooking.
You will be able to explore our organic farm and we can take you for a walk along the ever-changing landscape of the Palar River to visit amazing monuments, such as the local stepwell, that are not listed in the regular tourist guides.
“This is my first visit to the Kattaikkuttu Sangam. A tremendous work done by artist and founder Mr. Rajagopal, Hanne and the team of musicians and artists. EVery moment I spent here was moving and culturally invocating. Seeing a traditional art form given new life through establishing extraordinary facilities and seeing the hard work that goes on behind the scenes is simply breathtaking.”