DANCES IN KERALA

Chakyar Koothu
Chakyar Koothu is a performing art style in Kerala, and also it is a socio-religious art performance in Koothambalam or the Koothuthara of temples.’koothu ‘ means dance ,it was performed by Chakyar community. It is a traditional equivalent of mono act and comic act .It was highly refined art form narrating stories from Hindu epics and puranas, combined with prevailing socio-political events, were originally performed in temples in connection with festivals by members of Chakyar Community. Only two instruments used for the performance – a Mizhav and a pair of Cymbals. Chakyar Koothu was performed only in koothambalam
Kathakali
Kathakali is a theatrical dance form of Kerala. It originated from Ramanattom and Krishnanattom. The name Kathakali derives from the Malayalam words ‘Katha’ (meaning story) and ‘Kali’ (meaning play). kathakali is considered to be a combination of five elements of fine art – Expression, Dance, Enactment, song/ vocal accompaniment , instrument accompaniment . There are 101 classical Kathakali stories. The most popular stories enacted are Nala Charitam, Kalyanasowgandhikam, Keechaka vadham etc.The songs used for Kathakali is a mix of Malayalam and Sanskrit.
Mohiniyattam
Mohiniyattam is a very graceful dance performed by women .The word ‘Mohiniyattam’ means ‘dance of the enchantress’. The costume includes gold – bordered off-white saris and gold jewellery, their in a chignon high on one side of the head and encircled with white jasmine flowers. Mohiniyattam dance is performed by the footwork of the danseuse.
Oppana
Oppana is a popular form of social entertainment among the mappila community of Kerala, especially in the northern districts of Calicut and Malappuram. oppana is generally presented by women , numbering about fifteen including musician on a wedding day.
Thiruvathirakkali
Thiruvathirakkali is a popular folk dance form of women in Kerala. In this, eight to ten girls perform forming a circle by themselves. They sing and dance to the rhythm of clapping hands. This dance is performed on festivals like Onam and Thiruvathira
Theyyam
Theyyam is a well-known ritual dance of north Kerala. it is performed by the male members of the traditional cast groups . The term Theyyam is a corrupt form of daivam or god
Margomkali
Margamkali is a art of the Syrian Christians. A dozen of dancers sing and dance around a Nilavilakku(lighted wick lamp) . The costume is simple traditional white dhoti and sporting a peacock feather on the turban to add a touch of color.
Padayani
Padayani , it is a week- long ritual dance, held in Kaali temples on the banks of the pamba river. Steps and movements of the dance vary according to each kolam or character. Patayani masks are made with the fresh spathe of arecanut palms.
Kummattikali
Kummattikali is the famous dance of Kerala; it is a colourful mask-dance. Kummattikali performers move from house to house and collecting small gifts and entertainging people.
Sarpam Thullal
Sarpam thullal is usally performed in the courtyard of houses having snake shrines. This is a family votive offering for wealth and happiness. The dance performed by Pulluvar.
Mayilpeeli Thookam
Mayilpeeli Thookam is a folk dance .It is performed by men. This dance also known as Arjuna nirtham .This art form mainly based on the Mahabaratha.
Mudiyettu
Mudiyettu is a ritual art performance. The theme depicts the glory and triumph of Bagavathy over the demon Darika. The dance is performed by a set of people known as Kuruppanmar.
Poothanum Thirayum
Poothanum Thirayum is a ritual dance to propitiate goddess Kali, it is performed by the Mannan community of south Malabar.The main theme of the dance is that slaying of Demon Daarikan by Kali
Tiyattu
Tiyattu was a traditional dance form. It is performed by the people of Unni and Nambiar castes in Kerala .Two types of tiyattu.One is bhadrakali tiyattu and another one is Ayyappan tiyattu.
Kanyarkali
Kanyarkali is a folk art form. It is performed by the Nair community of Palakkad District. Kanyarkali combaines the agile movements of marital arts with the rhythmic grace of folk dance
Chavittunatakom
Chavittunatakom is a music drama performance. The theme of the drama was Christian religious history.’ Chavittu ‘means the rhythmic steps which accompanies the recitation of lines in the drama
Kakkarissi Natakom
Kakkarissi natakom is a satirical dance- drama .It is based on the puranic legends of Lord Siva and Parvati. When they assumed human forms as Kakkalan and Kakkathi . The language is a blend of Tamil and Malayalam.
Krishnnattam
Krishnnattam is a temple art, now it is performed at Guruvayur Temple. The performce is based on Krishngiti.
Kolkkali
Kolkkali is a widely prevalent group dance in Kerala especially among farmers. Its exposition of physical skill, kolkkali is believed to be existent for more than a millennium.
Kootiyaattom
Koottiyattom is the earliest classical dramatic art form of Kerala. Kootiyattom means ‘acting together’. This art form is based on Bharatha’s Natyasathra. There are two or more characters onstage at the same time, with the Chakkiar providing the male cast and Nangiar playing the female roles.

Author :Smitha Atholi

Mandalapooja ; A holy Fasting of Forty-one days

Mandalapooja is one of the major festivals in South India. It is observed with high religious sentiments during the pilgrim season between November and January. The festival is related to Sabarimala, the abode of the Hindu God, lord Ayyappa. The temple is situated in the hilly area of pristine and scenic beauty at an altitude of about 3500 feet, in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The important part of the festival is the pilgrimage to Sabarimala. Devotees adhere to forty-one days of austerities and penance and prepare themselves wearing the rosary and do the poojas, chanting Ayyappa hymns and meditating everyday and live like a celibate. They abstain from all sensual pleasures and take only vegetarian food during this pilgrim season namely Mandalakaalam. The male devotees are called ‘ayyappan’ and the female devotees are called ‘malikappuram’. This is the rarest of festivals in which the god and devotee are called by the same name. females between the age of 10 to 50 are not allowed to Sabarimala. Every year a growing number of 3-4 million devotees visit Sabarimala during this season. Regardless of caste, creed,colour or religion everyone wears black dhotis and carry on their heads, bundles called ‘irumudikkettu’ containing traditional offerings like coconut filled with ghee, camphor and rice. The temple is inundated with pilgrims from all across India. Ayyappans move in small groups in the leadership of a ‘guruswami’ and reach Pamba. They take a holy dip in the river Pamba which is considered to be absolving sin. From Pamba, the temple is accessible only by foot. One has to treck about 4km to reach th final 18 steps called ‘pathinettaampadi’ the final steps before getting the holy view of lord Ayyappa.
In addition to the mandala kaalam, the Ayyappa temple remains open only on the 1st day of every Malayalam month and on the day of Vishu festival. Lord Ayyappa is considered as the union of the lord Vishnu and the lord Shiva, the god of preservation and god of destruction respectively. Hence Ayyappa is considered to be the bestower of limitless blessings in Kaliyuga and thus called Kaliyugavarada.

Author : Shaiju

Avaniavittam; Forsak of old holy thread

Avani avittam is a festival celebrated by the Brahmins. This festival falls in the month of Sravan (August-September) on the day of Sravan –Purnima. Celebrated widely in the states of Kerala, Tamilnadu, Maharastra and Orissa it is one of the most important festival for the Hindus. This is also called Upakarmam.

The Brahmins renounce their old holy thread and wear a new one on this day. They believe that renouncing the old thread signifies the washing away of all the sins committed. A dip in the holy river is taken to wash away the sins and a new thread is worn with a prayer to provide them with strength and dignity.

This day is celebrated in the northern states of India as Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi. Here sisters tie a silken-thread-rakhi on the wrist of their brothers. The brother takes the vow to protect his sister lifelong.
Author: Shabhnam

The Biggest Christian Conference;Maraamon Convention

Maramon Convention, the biggest Christian conference in Asia, is a spiritual & cultural meet of Kerala Christians. All Christian churches participate in this convention. This spiritual festival continues to run for over a century. It is an eight day-long annual festival, conducting every month of February.
The Maramon Convention is pre-eminently an assembly of Christians who once a year come here for listening to the Word of God as read and expounded by leaders of Christian thought from all over India as well as abroad. Preaching and Bible study occupy the major part of the conference programmer. Along with the religious reading and discourse, singing of hymns and praying for the sick and the needy are also held. It is grand sight to behold the sea of humanity offer prayers for the sick and the suffering for half an hour every day for a week. Prayer and worship at the convention accompanied by singing is a wonderful experience for every participant- an experience which purges and cleanses his soul and draws him closer to God and to his fellowmen.
Convention location is on the banks of river Pamba. It is known as Pamba Manalppuram (vast sand-bed). Here a big temporary pandal (canopy) is created. In this pandal over one lake persons can sit. Temporary bridges are built across river Pamba. Traditionally Cadjan leaves are used for pandal. Maramon, Kozhenchery, Pullad, Ayiroor, Kumbanad & other nearby parishes together create the pandal. They donate Cadjan leaves, bamboo poles & other materials for erecting the convention pandal. About a week before the convention, the sand banks become a scene of great activity. All round the pandal there are temporary sheds and tents for various purposes furthering the objects of the Convention. Stalls for the sale of religious literature, church offices and restaurants are allowed to operate in the vicinity of the pandal under the strict control of the authorities. Long valloms (boats) with canopies, and stored with provisions for the use of families from distant places lie anchored in the river.
Bishops of Marthoma church & other churches, ministers, MLAs, political & cultural leaders & different personalities participate in the convention. Audience is a big crowd. However there will be no appointing police & security persons. Each person obeys self discipline. This is a specialty of Maramon Convention.
Preparation for convention starts months ago by church & government departments. Organizing committee and other 16 sub committees are doing their own duties well. Mike using started in convention since 1948. Till then the lecturers’ words reached to the audience through mouth to mouth method. In these periods there was no electricity. So petromaxes were used for light. Now latest voice & light technologies are used.
Building homes for poor, destitute homes, Sunday school & other activities & ideas are created by Maramon Convention. The convention spreads unity of different christian churches. Also it gives spiritual progress & relief for believers.
Maramon is also famous as the birth place of Palakkunnathu Abraham Maplah, leader of the reformation in the Syrian Church of Malabar in the 19th century. This village which developed into a town has the added distinction of being the venue of Maramon Convention.

Author : Sakeer

Payippadu Vallamkali

Payippad Jalotsavam is fourth biggest Boat Race in Kerala. Alappuzha Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race, Champakkulam Moolam Boat Race are other biggest Boat Race in Kerala.
The three-day annual fiesta on the Payippad Lake, 35km from Alappuzha, commemorates the installation of the deity at the Subramanya Swamy Temple in Harippad. The story is that the people of the village decided to build a temple with Sree Ayyappa as the presiding deity. After the temple was ready, they had a vision directing them to a whirlpool at Kayamkulam Lake where they would find the idol of Sree Subramanya which was to be installed at the temple. Accordingly, the elders of the village accompanied by divers and swimmers rowed to the spot and found the idol which was escorted back ceremoniously by devotees from the entire region in colorfully decorated boats. This happened on the Thiruvonam day of the Malayalam month of Chingam. To this day a water fiesta is conducted along the route traced by the auspicious procession. Besides the boat race, spectacular water pageants are organized with water floats, decorated boats, performing arts, children in fancy attire etc. The vanchipattu is a characteristic feature of these processions. The event draws hundreds of thousands of spectators from all over.

Author: Sakeer

Thrissur Pooram: Mother Of All Pooram

Thrissur pooram, the most eye-catching festival of Kerala , is a cultural highlight par-excellence, celebrated on ‘Pooram nakshathram’ in the Malayalam month of ‘Medam’ (April, May) It is considered as the ‘Mother of all Poorams’ and is the meeting place of all arts. It lasts for about 36 hours. People across all barriers of religion and caste conducted and participated in Thrissur pooram.

The festival was introduced by Sakthan Thamburan the former Maharaja of Kochi, Ramavarma(1775- 1790) . Celebrations are staged at Thekkinkadu grounds surrounding the ‘Vadakkunatha’ temple. Thrissur poorm attracts large number of devotees and viewers from all the parts of state and even from outside. The most impressive processions are those from the ‘Krishna’ temple at Thiruvambadi and ‘Devi’ temple at Paramekkavu which are quite significant event for their devotees. The pooram festival is also well known for the awe- inspiring display of fire works. Fire works start in the early hours and the glittering display lasts three to four hours.
TEN DEITIES
Ten deities from the neighboring temples pay obeisance to the presiding deity of Thrissur. Chief participants are Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi. Other participants called ‘Cherupoorams’ include Kanimangalam, Karamukku, Choorakattukara, Laloor, Ayyanthole, Nethilakkavu, Chembukavu, and Panamukkampilly.
BEHIND THE STORY & END OF SUPREMACY OF NAMBOOTHIRIES
There is little history to the festival which says that before Thrissur pooram, a one- day temple festival was detained at Aratupuzha Twelfth (12 k.m) south of the Thrissur. Temples is and around. thrissur were regular participants of the religious exercise until they were once denied entry by the chief of the Peruvannan area of Cherpu, known for its Namboodiri supremacy. Namboodiries were considered the formost Bhramin caste in Kerala. Prince ‘RAMAVARMA’ the architect of Thrissur, decided to put an end to Namboodiri supremacy and alleviate the offended confidence of his subjects.
‘RAMAVARMA’ undertook the task pf reconditioning ‘Vadakkunatha’ temple which was earlier bounded by high walls and was controlled by Namboodiries. Raja Ramavarma to thrissur where they could pay obeisance to Lord (sri) Vadakkunathan the deity of the vadakkunathan temple .Further he directed the main temples od Thrissur- Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu - to extend all help and support to these temples. Ten deities from the neighboring temples pay obeisance to the presiding deity of Thrissur and only spectator of the pooram event, Vadakkunatha temple situated in the heart.
EZHUNALLIPPU
The festival extends for 36 hours beginning with Ezhunnellippu of the Kanimangalam Shasta in the morning, followed by the Ezhunnellippu’of the other six minor temples on the pooram day. Thiruvambadi temples to the Vadakkunathan temple. It may be noted that although this grand festival is known as Thrissur pooram, it is in fact the conclusion of the eight- day utsavams.
RITUALS& REVELS
Major participant of the pooram, Paramekkavu& Thiruvambadi provide a spectacular show of best of kerala art &culture to the on lookers as they display their artistic ability. Each group proves their own abilities. Colossal and colorful processions are organized by temples, starting from Krishna temple and Devi temple. The group enters the Vadakkunatha temple through the western gate of the temple. Both the groups stand face to face and the competition become open.
PANCHAVADYAM & PANDIMELAM
A main attraction of the pooram is ‘Panchavadyam’. Panchavadyam, a combination of five percussion and wind instruments is to be felt and enjoyed. Over 200 artists from various disciplines like Thimila, Maddalam, Trumpet, Cymbal and Edakka unleash their talent and leave the audience spell bound. Time of noon is reserved for another event called Pandimelam, in which artists holding mastery of Drum, Drum pets, Pipe and Cymbal participate.
ANACHAYAM PRADARSANAM
A convey of caparisoned elephants is the most captivating aspect of Thrissur pooram.On the pooram evening, two lines of 13 decorated elephants face each other, on the ground south to the temple . The best elephants are selected for the convey and given a hugemake over. They are painted, bejeweled and given abeautiful satin robe. Colorful silk parasols are the important part of their getup. Each of the majestic pachyderm gets the honor of bearing an umbrella holder, a ‘peacock fan(Alavattom) carrier and a yak- tail fly whisk wielder(Venchamaram).This exhibition of the paraphernalia of elephants decoratives is called ‘Anachayam pradarsanam’
KUDAMATTOM
Space between the two lines of elephants is taken up by the orchestra consisting of precussion and wind instruments. Just wheb orchestra reaches its crescendo; the parasols are changed with an even more colourful and exquiste one. The ceremonycalled ‘Kudamattom’.This is very exciting for the crowds who applaud whole heatedly every time the parasols change. The deities of different temples arrive on the regally decorated elephants. The sight of the meeting of the different ‘GODS’ is the brilliant and memorable one.
A SPECTACULAR FIRE WORKS
The festivals conclude with the dazzling display of fire works. The bursting of crackers continous till the wee hours of the next morning. Shows by Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu Devasom are the most reputed and popular of all. They present many innovative patterns and varieties of fire works which make spectators going raptures. this famous and mighty display of the magnificent display of fire works add to the popularity of the pooram festival Thus the festivals which begins in the early hours of the pooram morning concludes at the break of the dawn, the next day on a cheerful note. Pooram festival.
THRISSUR POORAM FEST IN CHENNAI
The confederation of Tamilnadu Malyalee Associations (CTMA) was reenacting the famous Thrissur pooram in Chennai for the first time on Sunday, September 30, 2007 at St. George’s AI Higher Secondary School, Poonamalee Road. A herd of eleven caparisoned life-like elephants were displayed with full decoration including silk umbrellas Peacock fan (Alavattom) Yak tail fly whiskers(Venchamaram) colorful silk parasols was show for ‘KUDAMATTOM’ . A team of 250 artists from Thrisuur were playing the melam, ‘PANCHAVADYAM’ and ‘ELANCHITHARAMELAM’. Finally the exquisite display of fire crackers was very amazing.

PROMINENT FEATURE OF THRISUR POORAM
The most striking feature of the Thrissur pooram is its very secular nature. The Muslim and Christian communities actively take part in it and they play a very prominent role in the very conduct of the festival Most of the pandals are the craft work of the experts from the Muslim community. For the two days of the festival, the CMS School owned by the north Kerala Dioceses of CST church and located on the Western part of the Swaraj Round, becomes very virtually the Head quarters of the Thiruvambadi Devasom. The temple elephants are tied in the school compound. The ‘ANACHAMAYA PRADARSANAM’ is also held here. The parasols for the ‘KUDAMATTOM’ are offered by the churches and their members. At time when the secular fabric of the Indian society is slowly decayed, one can not be narrow minded to the relevance of Thrissur pooram, the conduct of which should come worthy of emulation to other festivals in the country.

Author: Smitha AT

It 's New Year : Vishu

HAPPY NEW YEAR! That’s what we have got to say to a mallu when we get up on a Vishu day morning. Do you know why? Well it’s because the day celebrated as Vishu is the first day of the first Malayalam month Medam.it is actually a harvest festival which mirrors the prosperity of the state. Vishu is celebrated not only here in Kerala but in many other Indian states. In Tamil Nadu it is called Puthandu, Punjabis call it Baisakhi, and for assamis it is Bihu.
Vishu kani (the first thing seen on Vishu) is the most auspicious ritual of the day. It is believed that seeing a good kani on the first day of the year brings a good year ahead. At the night before Vishu the mistress of the house prepares the kani. It is prepared in the pooja room. The statue of Lord Sri Krishna is kept and many auspicious items are kept around it. They include, konnapoovu (flowers of cassia fistula), nilavilakku (lighted lamp) (betel leaves), kanivellari (cucumber which is golden colour), areca nut, mirror, coins, kasavupudava (linen cloth) etc.
After preparing the kani the mistress sleeps near it. She gets up early in the morning and sees the kani first, and then she goes and wakes up the other members of the house and brings them to the pooja room blind folded.
The next ritual that follows is the most love one among us, children and youngsters- vishukkaineettam. Here the elder member of the house gives kaineettam as coins to the younger ones. This is believed to bring prosperity to their lives. All of them take bath and wear new clothes which are called puthukkodi.
In the afternoon a tasty meal called the sadhya is served. It is served in plantain leaves and includes a lot of tasty items. Vishu kanji, veppumpoorasam (a food prepared out of neem), maambazhapachadi (mango soup) are all add ons to this sadhya.
After this wonderful meal family gathers in the courtyard and children enjoy their vishupadakkam or bursting crackers. Thus Vishu is not a mere festival for us keralites but it is a time of reunion of the whole family, a time of prosperity a time where you welcome the coming year with great hope. On the whole Vishu is a day of new dreams and ambitions springing up.
Author : Shabnam