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| Margom Kali |
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| Margomkali is a ritual folk art of the Syrian
Christians of Kottayam and Thrissur districts. A dozen dancers
sing and dance around a lighted wick lamp ( Nilavilakku), clad
in the simple traditional white dhoti and sporting a peacock
feather on the turban to add a touch of colour. |
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Kaliyattam is an ancient socio-religious ceremony
performed in North Kerala since very ancient times. In early
times every village of North Kerala has its own common shrine
called Kavu and it was imperative to have Kaliyattom performed
in front of it. As the word Kali has also the meaning of "safety"
in Malayalam, Kaliyattom may have the significance of a sacred
dance for social or family safety. As Kerala was primarily a
land of people with Sakthi (Bhagavathi) worshippers, it |
| became very much an essential part of the social
structure. Kali worship made its stronghold especially in the
northern parts of Kerala, known as the Kolathirinad, the ancient
kingdom of Kolathiri (Chirakkal Raja). |
| Chakyar Koothu |
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This classical dance is performed by the member
of the professional Chakyar cast that too only in Koothambalam
of temples. It is one of the oldest of theatrical arts peculiar
to Kerala. The term Koothu literally means dance which may be
taken as an index of the importance attached to dance in the
original form of the art. As a matter of fact, the movements
and facial expressions and the signs and gestures employed by
the actor in Koothu are said to approximate most closely
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| to the principles laid down in the authoritative
Sanskrit treatise on the subject, Bharatha's Natya Sastra. The
actor recites stories from the epics (based on Sanskrit text)
interpreting them in Malayalam, enlivening his narration with
Thandava dance rhythms and also gestures and bodily postures
which are clearly derived from Natya Sastra. |
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Instead of single Chakiyar a number of performers
get together and stage dance-drama. That is why it is called
Koodiyattom, literally "dancing together" (The beginnings
of Kerala dramaturgy can be traced to this dance). Both men
and women partake in this performance. Abhinaya is the most
important element in Koodiyattom. The texts are always in Sanskrit
and the performance is a prolonged affair. It may take anything
from a few days to a number of weeks. |
| Kalamezhuthu
pattu |
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The kalam is a unique drawing also called dhulee
chithram or powder drawing. The artist uses the floor as his
canvas. The chorus sings hymns in praise of the deitie. This
is performed as part of the rituals to worship and propitiate
godess Kaali, Before the actual performance, the dancer erases
the Kalam with tender palm fronds. The performer in the role
of Kaali is aided by 'Koimpata Nayar', the local guide and Kooli,
the attendant.
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Pulikali is a art form performed in Trichur and
Palghat districts. It is also known as Kaduvaakali. Dancers
numbering three or more dress themselves up like tigers, usually
covered with yellow paint,with red and black designs on it.
There are enactments such as the tiger preying on a goat, and
a tiger being hunted by a game-hunter. The made-up tigers present
vigorous dancers to the loud beating of percussion instruments
like udukku,thakil etc. |
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