The International Centre for Kathakali (ICK) was established in 1960 to popularize Kathakali, the rich art form of Kerala in the National Capital, Delhi. Ever since its inception, the Institution endeavored to maintain the art form’s purity and classical status to its full merit and spirit.

The foundation stone of the ‘Kathakali Centre’, as it is popularly referred to, was laid by the First President of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The Kathakali Centre is recognized as category one institution by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and is also empaneled by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) as an outstanding category institution. Today, the Central Sangeet Natak Academi, Delhi Sahitya Kala Parishad, Centre for Cultural resources & Training (CCRT) also recognize the ICK as a major cultural organization having achieved world-wide recognition.

Soon a Kathakali School was also established for teaching Kathakali. The ICK had the privilege of having distinguished teachers, like the legendary late Guru Mampuzha Madhava Panikar, Late Guru Keezhpadam Kumaran Nair, Padma Shri Kumara Nair and Guru Sadanam Balakrishnan. Well trained teachers from recognized institutions are given responsibility to conduct for Acting-Dancing (Vesham), Vocal, Percussion (Chenda, Maddalam, Edakka) & Chutti (make up) & Costume Design.

Students from India, as well as, from all over the world attend the Kathakali School classes. High standard of teaching and curriculum have received ample recognition and thousands of students have benefitted from the exceptional quality of education & training and well-organized classes by the Kathakali Centre.

Arranging Kathakali performances has been another major activity of the Kathakali Centre. There is an ever-ready troupe of exceptional artists available to perform even on very short notices which conducts 80-100 performances every year in India and abroad. The performances are well appreciated by the public and acclaimed by the connoisseurs and the media.

The ICK has participated in many Indian and International Festivals in various cities world over. 

Indian Festivals

Konark Festival, Orissa
Khajuraho Festival, Madhya Pradesh / 2006
Kalidas Samaroh, Ujjain / 2004
Kalakshetra Festival, Chennai
Kathakali Mahotsav by SNA, Delhi / 1993
Bhramara Festival of Dance, Mumbai / 2019
Hampi Festival, Karnataka
Taj Maholsav, Agra / 2018
Bharat Parv, Delhi / 2018,19
Malhar Festival, Udaipur / 2019
International Lok Sanskriti Utsav, WB / 2019
Qutab Festival, Delhi / 2017
Ananya Festival, Delhi / 2001
Chamba Sahasrabdi Festival, Himachal / 2006
Suraj Khund Mela, Delhi / 2012
International Ramayana Festival, New Delhi/ 1976
Kutchh Festive – Welcoming the Millennium/ 1999
Jahanara Festival, Delhi

Also, in association with:
Spic Macay, Delhi
National School of Drama, Delhi
Doordarshan, Delhi
Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai

The ICK has participated in many Indian and International Festivals in various cities world over. 

International Festivals

Athens Festival, Greece / 1979
Berlin Festival, Germany / 1979
The Indian Ocean Festival, Perth / 1984
Asia Pacific Festival, Wellington / 1984
Asian festival of Traditional Dance & Music, Tokyo / 1985
NRI Festival, New York / 1992
Manizales Theatre Festival, Columbia / 1992
Serventino Festival, Mexico / 1992
Euro Kaz International Festival of New Theatre, Sagreb, Croatia / 1992
Iberoamericano Festival, Bogota, Columbia / 1992
International Theatre Festival, Caracus, Venezuela / 1992
Milano Theatre Festival, Milan, Italy
Slovenia Winter Festival, Slovenia
Early Music Festival, Holland / 1994
International Ramayana Festival, Cambodia / 1995
SESC Autumn Festival, Brazil / 1997
Eauropean Theatre Festival Delphi, Greece / 1998
Festival of India, Kazakhistan / 2011
World Performing and Visual arts Festival, Pakistan / 2006
Janadreeya Festival, Saudi Arabia / 2018
Kathakali Performance, Norway / 2015
Incredible India, New York / 2007
Festival of Classical Theatre, Delphi, Greece