Other Performing Arts of Kerala
|| Kerala Dances || Kerala Classical Dances || Kerala Folk Dances || Kerala Martial Dances || Other Performing Arts of Kerala ||
Besides the category of folk dance, classical dance, martial dance, we here discus the other various performing arts of Kerala which have great social and cultural significance. Some of the them are performed at the temples of Kerala and some at the social festivities. The other various performing arts of Kerala are :
Ayyappan Vilakku :
Ayyappan Vilakku is performed at the miniature temples of Kerala. Songs are sung which narrate the story of the fight between Ayyappan and Vavar. Two dancers make up them like Ayyappan and Vavor and dance in tune of the rhythms of the devotional song. They strike with swords and defend with coconut frond. A huge fire is lit at last and the dancers jump into the burning ashes.
Arjuna Nritham :
Arjuna Nritham (the dance of Arjuna) is a ritual temple art prevalent in the Bhagavathy temples of Kerala. It is a dance performed by men only. This dance has origin with Arjuna, one of the five brothers of the epic Mahabharata. Arjuna, the most valiant of the Pandavas is said to be a renowned singer and dancer and he appeases Goddess Bhadrakaali by a devotional hymn.
The dancers wear garment around the waist made of peacock feathers. So Arjuna Nritham is also called Mayilpeeli Nritham. The face of the performers are painted and they wear headgear. This dance form is performed both by single dancer or group dancer. The songs of the dance are based on various themes of Puranas.
Chavittunadakam :
Chavittunadakam is a Christian dance drama originated as a compliment of Kathakali dance of Hindu temples. This dance drama is performed at a well-made platform. Actors clad in colorful Roam attires perform the play of the Bible. Dialogue, songs, beating of country drums are also part of the dance. The actors walk heavily on the dance floor to prepare for the dramatic situations.
Duffmuttu :
This dance drama is a group performance prevalent among the Muslims of Malabar. It is mostly performed at the festivals and nuptial ceremonies. The main actor leads the groups and other dancers form the chorus. Songs are often tributes to martyrs, heroes and saints.
Kakkarissi Natakom :
A satirical dance drama performed on the Puranic legends of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati. It also satirizes the contemporary society; the Puranic legend is only the skeleton of the play. Both in Malyalam and Tamil language this dance is performed.
Kavadiyattam :
Devotees perform Kavadiyattam which is a ritualistic dance. Wearing bright yellow or saffron costumes the devotees enact this dance. The actors dance in frenzy carrying Kavadis, a bow shaped wooden structure. Instruments like
Udukku, Chenda and the Nadaswaram are beaten. This ritual dance is performed at Subramanya temples.
Kolkkali :
A rhythmic dance, Kolkkali is popular among the agrarian classes. The dancers handle effectively the short sticks and they move in circular and sing when they dance and strike the sticks in union. This dance form is popular among the Malabar Muslims. Only men perform this dance and they initially require basic martial training to perform this dance.
Kummattikkali :
A mask dance, Kummattikkali is popular in the northern districts of Kerala. Wearing painted wooden masks, leaves and grass the dancer perform this dance at the houses. They perform from one house to another house. The main character is Thalla or witch and other resembles the Hindu gods and goddesses. Song is based on devotional themes.
Margamkali :
Margamkali is a group dance developed by the Syrian Christians of Kerala. It was influenced by Kalaripayattu which is the most popular martial dance of Kerala. A lamp is lit and the dancers dance around it singing themselves. The leader of the troop is Asan and the group repeats the dance of the Asan.
Mudiyettu :
The ritual dance Mudiyettu is popular among the Kaali temples of Ernakulam and Kottayam districts of central Kerala. The main theme of the dance is victory of Goddess Kali over the Demon Darika. This dance from is performed by the Kuruppu or Marar, a temple bound community. A ritual is performed before the dance and the chorus sings hymns. The dancers wear colorful attires to perform this dance. The wooden headgear wore by the dancers represent Kali.
Oppana :
Oppana is a popular bridal dance performed by Muslim Girls of North Kerala and in Lakshadweep. On the eve of marriage the friends of the bride sing and perform this dance. Sometimes Oppana is performed by men to please the bridegroom. This dance form is performed in tune of the musical instruments.
Paana :
Paana or Pallippaana is a ritual art performed to appease Goddess Bhadrakaali. In the districts of Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram, this dance form is popular. This dance is performed at night and it is part of three day festival. There are some ritualistic preparations before the performance of the dance.
Panchavadyam :
Panchavadyam, an orchestra is performed at the temple festivals. It is a composition of Timila, Maddalam, Edakka, Cymbols and Kompu.
Theeyattu :
Theeyattu is a solo dance-drama performed at the Bhagavathy temples of Thiruvalla, Kottayam, and Thripunithura. It is performed in front of the Kalam, a ritual place drawn with colorful powders. With invocation of Lord Ganapati or Shiv the ritual of the dance is done. The most popular play of this dance is the fight between Goddess Kali and demon Darika. Unni temple community mostly performs this dance.
Thiruvathirakali :
Thiruvathirakali is a graceful and symmetric group dance of the women folk of Kerala. This dance form is performed during the festivals like Onam and
Thiruvathira. The women dancers wear typical Kerala attire to perform this dance. They move in circle clapping hands and singing at the same time.
Poothanumthirayum :
This is a ritual dance performed in praise of Goddess Kali. This dance form is popular in south Malabar. The dancers dress like Kali and the accompanying spirits who assists Goddess Kali to defeat demon Darika. The dancer who takes the role of Kali wear masks and the spirits wear semi-circular wooden crowns. This dance form is performed from house to house and at the village premises.
