Changampuzha Park

Coordinates: 10°0′59″N 76°18′8″E / 10.01639°N 76.30222°E / 10.01639; 76.30222 The Changampuzha Park is a popular location for various cultural activities in the coastal city of Kochi, Kerala, India. It is situated at Edappally, the birth place of the great poet Changampuzha Krishna Pillai, on the side of the National Highway leading to Aluva. The beautifully laid-out Changampuzha park is popular among children, elderly persons and others. It serves as a venue for several art and cultural programmes of importance.^[1] The park is maintained by GCDA, and houses the Changampuzha Samskarika Kendram (Changampuzha Cultural Society).^[2] The park also serves as a live monument to the evergreen romantic malayalam poet, Changampuzha Krishna Pillai.^[3] The park also houses a statue of the great poet.

History

The foundation stone for the Changampuzha Memorial Art centre was laid by the then Chief Minister of Kerala, C. Achutha Menon. However, until the formation of the Changampuzha Samskarika Kendram^[4], the park was often home to anti-social elements of the city. However, with the establishment of CSK, things started to change^[5]. In 2001-2002, the Executive Committee of the Kendram decided to conduct a workshop of veterans in the fields of various channels of art worldwide and present with their participation manifold cultural programmes in the Park, extending over an uninterrupted period of three weeks. This multi dimensional exercise named "Viswa Kala Sangamam". This was an astounding success, and the organization started to conduct events on a regular basis. The significant events held over the years are documented at^[2]. The officials of the Changampuzha Samskarika Kendram, through their hard work, and by associating themselves with various cultural bodies like Lokadharmi, Sangeetha Sadas and the Kathakali Aswathaka sanghom, and giving them a free stage to perform, brought in a different ambience to the place^[6] over the years.

Details

The Park has a platform which measures 40 feet X 40 feet, opposite to the old platform which was much smaller. This platform serves as an open-air auditorium for various performances including Kathakali, traditional theatre, realistic drama etc.^[7] The park has a children's play area which has seesaws, slides, swing and a merry-go-round. There are two circular rooms in the park which serve as recreation rooms, of which one is used for playing chess and carroms and houses a television and radio. A real IN172 aeroplane stands proudly at one end of the park, facing the national highway. Works of art, created during sculpture camps held in the park have been installed in the park.^[5] In addition to this, the park has a statue of the late poet, Changampuzha Krishna Pillai.^[8]

Changampuzha Park

Major Recurring Activities in the Park

The contents in this section have been obtained from information in^[8]

Kavyamoola: This event is held on the second Sunday of every month starting at 1600 hours. During this event, budding young poets present poems composed by themselves. The fourth anniversary of Kavyamoola was celebrated in 2006. During this event, noted Kathakali artist and poet, Kalamandalam Keshavan was all praise for the young poets who regularly turn up at Kavyamoola and their works^[9].

Akshara Sloka Sadas: This event, which is held on the fourth Sunday of every month starting at 1400 hours usually attracts at least 35 experts in who engage in Aksharaslokam recitals. On an annual basis, Akshara Sloka competitions are held for school students.

Malayalam Day Celebrations: On November 1 every year (the day of the formation of the state of Kerala), a public meeting of eminent people in Malayalam literature is held followed by recital of poems and Thiruvathirakali.

References

1. ^ "Kochi - Profile". http://hello-cochin.com/profile.htm. Retrieved Sept 20 2008. 
2. ^ ^{a b} "Changampuzha Samskarika Kendram Profile". http://www.cskkerala.com/index1.html. Retrieved Sept 20 2008. 
3. ^ "Personalities of Kochi". http://www.corporationofcochin.org/pages/Maintemp.asp?id=4&val=2. Retrieved Sept 20 2008. 
4. ^ "CSK Kerala". http://www.cskkerala.com. Retrieved Sept 20 2008. 
5. ^ ^{a b} "Kochi's own Hyde Park". http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2006/04/29/stories/2006042901680100.htm. Retrieved Sept 20 2008. 
6. ^ "Website for Changampuzha Samskarika Kendram". The Hindu (Chennai, India). November 18, 2006. http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/11/18/stories/2006111802170100.htm. Retrieved Sept 20 2008. 
7. ^ "Changampuzha Park to get a new look". The Hindu (Chennai, India). February 22, 2004. http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/22/stories/2004022205430300.htm. Retrieved Sept 20 2008. 
8. ^ ^{a b} "Changampuzha Samskarika Kendram - Profile of the Organization". http://www.cskkerala.com/csk%20profile.html. Retrieved Sept 20 2008. 
9. ^ "Poets' corner comes alive". The Hindu (Chennai, India). March 17, 2006. http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/17/stories/2006031700410200.htm. Retrieved Sept 20 2008.