FOLK
MUSIC & DANCE
Theyyam
Theyyam
is one of the most outstanding folk arts of Kerala and has its origin in the
northern parts of the state. Also called Thirayattam, (because every thira or
village performed this ritualistic art at the village temple) this primitive
ritualisic art demands long hours preparation before the performance.
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Cherumarkali
It is a harvest dance in which the dancers, both men and women move in a swift
rhythm, linked in a back lock or holding arms. The costumes are in striking
red and white.
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Kaalavela
It is a spectacular procession of huge, gaudily decorated motifs of bulls (kaala.).
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Kalampattu
It is another folk art form that belongs to the northern regions of Kerala.
This art form which is over 600years old is performed by a group of five to
fifteen people in Bhadrakali and Ayyappa temples. The rituals is performed around
the kolam -an elaborate picture, usually of Bhadrakali, drawn on the floor,
using five colours.
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Kalaripayattu
It is the comprehensive system of martial arts if Kerala, regarded as one of
the oldest and most scientific in the world. Kalaripayattu training aims at
the ultimate co-ordination of mind and body.
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Kaliyoottu
It is an eight day long colourful folk ritual which re-enacts the combat between
goddess Durga and the demon Darika. The ritual is performed in different stages.
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Kanniyarkali
It is a ritual art and a swift dance form, performed to the accompaniment of
devotional folk songs and the resounding drum beats is usually performed in
Bhagavathy temples.
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Kavadiyattam
It is a ritual dance offering in Subramanya temples. The group of devotees wearing
bright yellow or saffron costumes with ash smeared all over the body, dance
in a frenzy carrying Kavadis on their shoulders. Kavadis are colourful bow shaped
wooden structures rising six to ten feet high.
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Kettukazhcha
It is a spectacular pageant of colourfully decorated effigies of gods and goddesses,
and images of animals like the horse, bull etc.
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Kolkali
It is a group dance form of the farming community in Kerala. Twelve
to twenty four dancers move rhythmically in a circle around the ceremonial lamp,
tapping the two feet long wooden sticks held in their hands.
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Kummattikali
It is a temple folk art and an awe inspiring mask dance.
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Kumbhamkali
It is a folk ritual dance of devotees carrying pots on the head.
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Kuthiottam
It is a ritual art exclusive to the Devi temples of south Kerala. A team of
artistes perform this song and dance ritual. The songs include those in praise
of Durga and other deities, Padapattu (war songs) and Kalaripattu (martial art
songs).
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Pooram
It is the great elephant pageant of certain temples in Kerala. Bejewelled tuskers
numbering ten to hundred, line up for this exotic spectacle with mahouts siting
atop them carrying the muthukuda (tinsel covered silk parasols) and waving the
venchamaram (white tufts).
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Mamangam
This festival is a replication of the cultural extravaganza held every 12 years
by the zamorins of Malabar in the middle ages.
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Mayilnritham
It is a ritual art performed by artistes in peacock costume. It is performed
in Subramanya in south Kerala. Oppana is a Muslim bridal group dance.
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Padayani
It is a colourful ritual art which is symbolic of the victory march of goddess
Kali after she defeated the demon Darika. The elaborate costume of this art
form bears slight resemblance to Theyyam.
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Poothamkali
It is a folk art more commonly performed in the Bhagavathy temples of Malappuram.
Pootham is the character who accompanied Durga in her combat with Darika asura.
The performers, usually three in number, undergo a week of austerity before
the presentation.
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Pulikali
It is also known as kaduvakali is a common sight in Kerala during festive seasons.
Performers painted like tigers in bright yellow, red and black, dance to the
loud beats of percussion instruments like the udukku and thakil.
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Sarpa pattu
It is a ritual art performed in shrines and temples devoted to Nagaraja the
king of serpents. It is performed by women who belong to the Pulluvar caste,
in a specially decorated pandal, before the sarpakalam (snake designs on the
floor).
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Thattumelkoothu
It is a devotional folk art. The dance is performed on a special platform which
carried around the temple by devotees even as the performance goes on.
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Thidampu
Nritham
It is over 700 years old, is a ritualistic art form of North Kerala.
The dancer moves to the rhythmic beats of the chenda carrying the thidampu (the
idol of the deity) on his head.
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Thiruvathirakali
It is a dance form which is a pointer to the old customs followed in Nair
tharawads (joint families) where the women of the house dance elegantly around
the ceremonial lamp or floral decoration on festive occasions to the accompaniment
of the Thiruvathira Pattu (song).
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Thiyyattu
It is a devotional offering to Bhadrakali and Sree Ayyappa. This ritual art
is performed in a specially decorated pandal, before the Kalam (five colour
design on the floor), the traditional lamp (nilavilaku), and peetam (stool).
The performance usually starts at dusk.
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Tholpavakoothu
It is said to have originated in the 18th century is also known as pavakoothu
(puppet play) or nizhalattam (shadow play). This entertainment art is performed
on a special stage called koothumadam in the temple courtyard.
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Vadithallu
It is almost similar to Kolkali and is a folk dance in which artistes tap
the short sticks held in both hands.
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Velakali
It is one of the most elaborate and spectacular martial folk arts of
Kerala. This ritual art form is usually presented within the temple premises
and is called Thirumumbil vela when performed before the deity and Kulathivela
when performed near the temple pond.
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Koothambalam
Special hall in the temple premises for ritual and classical art performances.
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Koothumadam
Stage specially erected for certain ritual and classical art performances in
the temple.
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