Folk Dances of Kerala | Kerala State PSC (KPSC) Preparation - Kerala PSC KAS PDF Download

Introduction

• Dance and art forms are central to the cultural identity of a region, and Kerala, known as ‘God’s Own Country,’ is no exception. The state is renowned for its diverse array of dance forms and artistic traditions. Many of these folk dances are performed during temple festivals and special ceremonies, showcasing unique styles and exceptional artistry. The dances are characterized by elaborate costumes and ornaments, which add to the splendor of the performances.
• Kerala boasts nearly 50 dance forms, with some of the most notable being Thiruvathirakali, Theyyam, Koodiyattam, Chakyar Koothu, and Ottamthullal. In addition to these folk dances, Kerala is famous for its classical dance forms: Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, which are deeply rooted in the state's artistic heritage.

Overview of Folk Dances of Kerala

Kaduva Kali

• Also known as Pulikali, this dance is a vibrant performance celebrated during the Moharam season. 
• Dancers, dressed in tiger-like costumes and elaborate makeup, move from house to house, energetically dancing to the rhythm of loud drums such as Udukku and Thakal.

Kanniyar Kali

• An ancient dance form, Kanniyar Kali, also referred to as Desathukali, has been a well-known folk dance of Kerala for centuries. This dynamic and energetic dance features rhythmic devotional folk songs and asuravadyas (musical instruments). 
• It is traditionally performed as a ritual offering to the deity Bhagavathy, showcasing both its historical and cultural significance.

Margam Kali

• Margam Kali is a traditional dance form practiced by the Syrian Christian community in eastern Travancore. It is notable for incorporating both group dances and martial arts elements, such as parichamuttu Kali. The dance's thematic focus is on the life and contributions of St. Thomas, highlighting its religious significance.
• The term "Margam" translates to path, way, religion, or creed, reflecting the dance’s purpose of promoting Christian religious teachings. The inspiration for Margam Kali comes from Kalaripayattu, an indigenous martial art that influenced its development.
• Performed in a circle around a lighted oil lamp, Margam Kali involves dancers singing without instrumental accompaniment. The leader of the troupe, known as the Asan, leads the singing, with the group echoing the verses. The language of the songs connects to ancient Tamil forms, showcasing the dance's deep cultural roots.

Kummatti Dance

• Kummatti is a vibrant mask dance popular in the South Malabar region of Kerala. Dancers don brightly painted wooden masks and elaborate costumes made from leaves and grass. 
• During the Onam festival, groups of dancers travel from house to house in a village, performing to the rhythm created by a bow-like instrument called onavillu.

Tholpavakoothu

• Also known as Pavakoothu or Nizhalkoothu, Tholpavakoothu is a traditional puppet dance performed in the Palakkad and Ponnani Talukas of Kerala. 
• This dance involves Pulavanmars (puppet performers) using puppets made from deerskin to depict characters from the Ramayana epic. The puppets are manipulated behind a curtain, and the performance is popular across various societal groups.

Garudan Thookam

• Garudan Thookam is a temple dance dedicated to the deity Bhadrakali. It is both an offering and a dramatic performance. In this dance, two or three dancers dressed as Garuda (the mythical bird king) perform to the rhythm of percussion instruments. 
• They wear feathers and carry snakes in their beaks, dancing with their wings spread in circular motions to evoke the essence of Garuda.

Kazhai Kothu

• Kazhai Kothu is a dynamic performance featuring gymnastic steps, resembling modern circus acts. 
• Performed by Aryan groups, it involves traveling from place to place, entertaining local audiences while earning a livelihood. Performers use bright, colorful costumes and elaborate makeup to enhance their acts.

Mayil Attam

• In Mayil Attam, girls dress as peacocks, adorned with peacock feathers and a glittering headdress with a movable beak. The beak is controlled by a thread tied from inside the costume, allowing the performers to execute various steps. 
• This group dance, performed in synchrony, captivates audiences with its vibrant and coordinated display.

Sangha Kali

• Also known as Sahastrakali, Chathirakali, or Vatrakali, Sangha Kali is a dance with deep socio-religious significance, particularly among the Namboodiris. It was traditionally performed as a votive offering to Goddess Kali and has its roots in the ancient gymnasium techniques, known as Kalaris, which were integral to physical exercises, military training, and swordsmanship in ancient Kerala.
• The origins of Sangha Kali are linked to these Kalaris, where periodic celebrations showcased skills in weapons and physical feats. With the arrival of Aryan culture and the influence of Namboodiri Brahmins, these celebrations acquired a religious dimension.
• During Sangha Kali performances, participants, dressed in red scarves and clothing, gather in groups. The dance begins with gymnastic steps accompanied by traditional instruments such as the chenda, maddalam, elethalam, and gong. The performance consists of various phases, including ritual worship, devotional songs, pure dance, and comic interludes. Key components of the dance include kottichakampookal, kottiyarkal, pana, velichappadu, nalupadam, slokam, neetuvayana, kandappanpurappad, poli kaimalothika samvadam, and paradesipurappad.
• The final and most significant phase is called Kudameduppu, which is martial in nature and showcases swordsmanship and other weapon techniques. Among the dance steps, Kurathiyattam is particularly graceful and renowned for its elegance.

Krishnanattom

• Krishnanattom is a refined form of Ashtapadiatoom, developed by Manavedan, the Zamorin. This dance-drama presents the entire story of Lord Krishna across eight nights. The costumes, particularly for Krishna, were designed with the help of Vilwamangalam, a devout Krishna worshipper. 
• The performance demands skilled ballet techniques and mimetic expressions from the actors, while the narrative songs are handled by musicians. The entire drama is dedicated to Lord Krishna, reflecting deep devotional themes.

Poikkal Kudirai Aattam

• Also known as the Dummy Horse Dance, Poikkal Kudirai Aattam features dancers who wear a dummy horse body on their hips. This costume is made from lightweight materials, with cloth hanging on both sides to cover the dancer's legs. The dancer's wooden legs mimic the sound of horse hooves. 
• Performers carry either a sword or a whip and the dance requires expert skill and precise movements. Accompanied by Naiyandi melam or band music, this folk dance is associated with the worship of Ayyanar and is predominantly found in the Thanjavur region of Tamil Nadu, with roots in tribal culture.