Kuchipudi performances to be part of Godavari Pushkarams: Tourism Minister

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Kuchipudi dancer Aparna Kovvidi being felicitated by Tourism and Culture Minister Kandula Durgesh at Anam Kala Kendram in Rajamahendravaram on Saturday. | Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT

Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh on Saturday announced that Kuchipudi dancers would be given a venue to perform at Anam Kala Kendram in Rajamahendravaram during the 12-day Godavari Pushkarams, as part of efforts to promote the classical dance and attract tourists from across the country.

Mr. Durgesh interacted with Kuchipudi dancers after a solo performance by Aparna Kovvidi at Anam Kala Kendram. Ms. Aparna, who is being trained by Kuchipudi guru Ajay Srinivas of Rajamahendravaram, won appreciation from the audience for her performance.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Durgesh said Kuchipudi would be included in the cultural programmes to be organised during the Godavari Pushkarams. “Kuchipudi dancers from across the State will be given an opportunity to perform during the Pushkarams,” he said.

The initiative was aimed at promoting Kuchipudi and attracting more tourists to the region, he said.

Mr. Durgesh also said the government was preparing a database of Kuchipudi dancers, theatre artistes, folk dancers and other performers in the State to bring them under the ambit of social welfare pensions.

Identity cards would be issued to classical dancers, folk artistes and theatre performers, enabling eligible artistes to avail themselves of pension benefits in recognition of their contribution to preserving and promoting traditional arts, he said.

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