Chathakudam Krishnan Nambiar Mizhaavu Kalari is one of the premier cultural institutions of Kerala, came into existence in 2004, to impart training and research in Koodiyattam and extended art forms. The Kalari established by Kalamandalam V K K Hariharan and P.K Usha, properly known as Usha Nangiar, who are the leading and outstanding artists of Mizhaavu, Koodiyattam and Nangiar Koothu today. The
Kalari is named after the legendary mizhaavu artist late. Through its effective participation and active roles played in persuasion of the mission conceived, Kalari could carve a niche in the present art and culture scenario, both within and outside the state of Kerala as well as abroad. It is indeed a matter of proud to recall that the Kalari has grown to major and unique institutions of Kerala having about 10 students attending classes in Mizhavu and Koodiyattam under Gurukula tradition. This is an institution registered under Charitable Act, in India. Kalari has taken part in several national and international Koodiyattam performances. Also it conducts annual performance festivals, seminars, inter-disciplinary interactions between artists from other streams of performing arts such as contemporary theatre, dance etc... in order to popularize the form among young generations. A series comprising complete repertoire of Nangiarkoothu lasted for almost a year was a significant activity conducted by Kalari, to promote Nangiarkoothu. Several workshops for contemporary theatre groups from India as well as abroad had been conducted and took part in joint assignments with them in some of their projects. As part of bringing back foregone glory of Nangiars and Nambiars, on Koodiyattam stage , Chathakudam Krishnan Nambiar Mizhavu Kalari is keenly working on projects to reproduce female characters from the repertoire.
