VelaKali

Velakali

How much a martial art can influence a community?please read on...
This art form is originated from the traditional martial arts' Kalaripayattu',this is a group dance performed during the festivals at certain temples in central Travancore area in Kerala.this is not confined to any particular community.Many sects of Hindus perform this.
this ritualistic art is performed by persons of all age groups.People engaged in different occupations participate in this.
Elders believe that this has reference to the war between the Kauravas and Pandavas or the war between Devas and Asuras.(representing the good and bad among celestial beings)from the hindu epics.
It is not possible to fix the time of its origin.
This group dance has participants numbering fifty or more.
Dancers dressed in the garb of traditional soldiers,go through warlike steps.Two or three emerge out of the line of dancers and coming forward display fighting techniques.With the variety of its choreography,including stances,steps and warlike gestures.This is an appealing form of art.
When the deity is taken out in procession on the back of an elephant,this dance is termed ThirumumbilVela(dance in front of the divine being)this also performed by the steps of the (temple)pond.Then this is termed Kulathil Vela(dance near the pond)
Some times local people,carrying flags and uttering vocal versions to signify each type of dance steps,jump about behind the row of dancers.Various rhythms such as Otta,Matharam,Padivattom are brought in to this.
In some regions dancers,wearing masks of tigers and bears,known as Velamudikars,dance with grotesque gestures,among the dancers.

Thavil,shudda Mddalam,cymbals,horns and trumpets are the instruments used for background effect.
there is no fixed time for the performance.
No stage needed be prepared.The stage is the courtyard of the temple or the precincts of the temple tank.
No light effect are needed.
The soldiers have a coned headdress,with the cone pointing to one side and a beading of Zari work at the lower edge.The chest would be covered with bead and other type of garlands.Armlets and shoulder epaulets are used.In the left hand there is a colored shield and in the right hand a cane to represent a sword.
This took place at Ambalappuzha.Under the dispensation of the local Raja,Mathur panicker familyand Vallor kurup family used to maintain Velakali troupes.
Just watch the mat behind the performers! it is another wonderful traditional product of Kerala.It is made of Bamboo strips.It is usually woven in plain weave.
Hope you enjoyed it!expecting your comments and suggestions.