Poothamkali

Poothamkali

Poothamkali

Poothamkali

Poothamkali is a folk art performed in the Bhagavathi temples of Mlappuram district in Kerala.Pootham is a character who accompanied Durga in her combat with Darika Asura.The performers ,usually three in number,undergo a week of austerity before presentation.Colorful and intricately designed masks carved out of the pala and murukku tress are the highlights of the attire.The fifteen minute performance starts slowly and works up to a frenzy towards the end.The thudi provides rhythm to the dance which is usually rendered at night.

Arjuna Nritham(Mayil Peeli Thookkam)

Arjuna Nritham or Mayil Nritham is a ritual art performed by artists in peacock costume.Arjuna Nritham is devoted to Arjuna,the diligent student of Guru Dronacharya,whose power of concentration is well known.Arjuna appeased Goddess Bhadrakali(the Hindu Godardess of eternal energy)throgh a devotional dance presentation and it is believed that this dance form was Arjuna Nritham.The ritual is performed  throughout night in solo or in pair.The movements are similar to Kalaripayattu.

The rudiments of the songs Chenda,Thala Chenda,Ilathalam and Maddalam are the musical instrument used for this ritual.

Since the lower part of the garments of this dance is made of peacock feathers,the dance is also known as mayil peeli thookkam

Chavittu Natakam

Chavittu Natakam

Chavittu Natakam

Chavittu Natakam is an art form which evolved due to Portuguese influence.It developed under the auspices of the church in Kerala with the object of presenting biblical Themes.The actors stamp with their feet on wooden platforms to the tunes of songs and drums.Stories include that of Christian Saints,Charlemagne and Napoleon.
.....Another amazing visual treat from the God's own country!Hope you enjoyed it!expecting your comments and suggestions.

Chavittu Natakam

Theyyam

Theyyam

• The Devine Dance

Said to be the corrupt form of Deivam or God,Theyyam is one of the most outstanding folk arts of Kerala and has its origin in the northern parts of the state.Also called Thirayattom,(because every thira or village performed this ritualistic art at the village temple)this primitive ritualistic art reflects features of a tribal culture.it is performed in temples and kavus(sacred groves) to propitiate the deities and a Theyyam acts as a medium between the deity and the devotee.

• Embodying godliness

The theyyam (a form or shape)represents a mythological, divine or heroic charecteor. There are over 350 Theyyams in northern Kerala each with its distinct shape,form and story of origin.The hood,headdress,face painting,breast plate,bracelets,garlands and fabric of attire of each of these theyyams are distinct and meticulously crafted according to the character presented.

• Symbol of hope

Theyyams stand as a symbol of goodwill and prosperity and theyyattom or theyyam recitals,it is believed,ward off poverty and illness.A theyyam recital begins once the deity in invoked and it includes a series of rites and rituals.The shadows created by the flaming of torches,the chenda beats resounding in the air,the headgear,the facial and body make up which are rich in artistry and symbolism together create a surreal atmosphere.

• The prelude

Theyyam demands a mastery over several things like recitation of songs or Thottams,make up including preparation of costumes,playing of instruments and dancing. Physical agility is a pre-requisite for theyyams .Musical accompaniments are chenda and veekuchenda(drums),kuzhal(horn)and elathalam.

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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. 

padayani

This is ritualistic entertainment,mostly in vogue in many Devi temples,mainly in the districts of Kollam and alappuzha at places like Karakkattu,Pandalam,Kadamanitta and Chengannoor in Kerala.The performance has rich theatrical materials in it.

The performers use elaborately decorated masks and head gears made out of arecanut fronds painted with indigenious colors.Bhadrakali,Bhairavan,Kalan(Yama,the god of death) are all represented by actors wearing appropriately painted headgears.

Each character is called a Kolam,Kaln,kolam,Bhairavi Kolam etc.and in certain cases the head-gears are enormously built with 501 or 1001 palas (arecanu fronds) and they present beautiful visuals.When possessed the kolam has broad dancing steps and gestures.In between dances there occurs -dialogues and short scenes also.In a padayani,there are often kolams representing different strata of social orders also and occassionaly humerous charectors too.This adds to the theatrical quality of the whole performance.

In a minimum estimation at least a dozen persons are needed for the performance.There is no age restriction to participants.

No definite date could be ascribed to its origin.

No raised platform is needed.Often it is theatere-in-the-round at the temple premises.

Originally, lighted torches were used for lighting.

Then came pertolmax lights.

The procession of all the participants by the light of  country made torches made of dried coconut leaves is a wonderful visual experience.

Thappu,an indigenous musical instrument is used for accompaniment of the song and dance.

This ritualistic theater is believed to represent the victory celebration of Kaali after killing the Demon Darika.

 

A saree design developed from the traditoal art form Padayani.The extra warp and weft for figuring is designed to use pure Zari yarns(for motifs)Cross border jacquard is used to lift the design ends.
I believe that i have given a vogue idea about padayani,though i am not a professional textile designer,i tried a little to develop this design concept.Hope you enjoyed it!expecting your comments and suggestions.