Kerala Folk Dances
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Folk dances of Kerala are varied in forms, which are performed at temple festivals along with other cultural festivals. These art forms have been modified during the ages and most of them related to ritualistic practices of temples and other family or social fiesta. The folk dances of Kerala which are worth mentioning are :
Poorakkali :
Poorakkali is performed in Bhagavathy temples as a ritual dance during the month of Malyalam month of Meenam. This folk dance is popular among the Thiyyas of Malabar. Only experienced and trained dancers can perform this dance form. Its dance movements are quite similar to Kalaripayattu martial art. A traditional lamp is lit and dancers perform the dance in eighteen different stages and rhythm.
Theyyam :
Representing a glorious folk life of Kerala, Theyyam is still a folk tradition in Kerala. The main features are grotesque make-up and costume, lively foot work, gymnastic fervor and ritualistic vitality. This ritual dance form is believed to be evolved from Kaliyatam which is practiced by northern tribes of the state. In this dance form the dancers play the role of the deities by invoking them to their body and then they bless the believers.
Theyyam ritual dance is prevalent in the north of Calicut, in Kannur, Kasargod. Besides the temples this art form is performed at kavus (small ground where idols of Gods are found) and in large family homes called tharavadus. In north Kerala every home or family has its own deity and so they host a Theyyam performance. The dance continues for a period of 12 to 24 hours. The main performer has to do several rituals and fasts before he plays the role of the deity of a shrine. The witnesses take blessings from the performer. Folk music accompanies the dance. Theyyam has it origin in the hero worship. There are several stories enacted in Theyyam dance.
Tholppavakkoothu :
The literal meaning of Tholppavakkoothu is 'leather puppet play'. This ritual art is performed during the annual festivals of Kaali temples in Palakkad district. Puppet is made to enact the dramatic scenes. The main theme of the play is life of Lord Rama, from his birth to coronation as the king of Ayodhya. The diction in which the narration goes on is a fusion of Tamil and Malyalam dialectical variations. The chief puppeteer is known as Pulavan. Now this puppet play is performed only at Ottapalam and Kavalappara in Palakkad district.
Sarppam Thullal :
Sarppam Thullal is an art form performed in ancient courtyard of families of Kerala which have snake shrines. This is mainly performed for family wealth and happiness. Pulluvar, a member of a community perform this dance. There are several stages of this dance. Snake idol is placed and rituals are performed before the dance. Pulluvan sings devotional songs and girls dressed like snake hoods begin to dance.
Kalamezhuthu Pattu :
Kalamezhuthu Pattu is a 600 years folk art practiced in the northern regions of Kerala. About a group of five or fifteen perform the dance at Bhadrakaali and Ayyappa temples. A picture of Bhadrakaali is drawn on the floor and the performers dance around the picture. Temple torches are lit for the performance. Songs are sung by the singers and dancers perform the dance in tune of the song.
Kaliyoottu :
Kaliyoottu is a popular folk dance of kerala. It lasts for eight days which enacts the fight between Goddess Durga and Demon Darika. In different stages the performers enact the scenes and the climax of the play is called Paranettu which is performed at a 100 feet high stage. This dance extravaganza is enjoyed by large audience.
Kannyarkali (Desathukali) :
The Nair community of Palakkad area practices this art which is also known as Desathukali. The main distinct feature of this dance form is that it blends the movements of martial arts and the rhythmic grace of folk dance.
Kannyarkali is performed mainly at temples and Thara, a place for informal gatherings in the months of March and April. Devotional songs and beating of instruments accompany this dance. The instruments used in the dance drama are Chenda, Maddalam, Edakka and Udukku.
A group of six to 20 performs this dance drama and it usually continues for four days. Each day performance has a different name and on the last day performance hill tribes take part.
