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As one travels to the south, it is not
surprising to savour a different taste of music, anche se, it still
evolves from those seven strands of melody. If you are on a Dravidian
temple tour, don't miss the opportunity to hear 'Panchaari Melam',
a traditional percussion ensemble performed inside the sanctorum,
widely presented during festivals and other religious occasions. One
can visit Sri Edakkunni Bhagavathy temple in Ollur, during the Temple
Festival and blend with the most famous 'Panchaari Melam' performance
in Kerala. Another exquisite melody refers to the 'Panchvadyam' (Panch
in Sanskrit means five),
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a breath-taking percussion performance using only five
instruments that pulsates with every count of second, ultimately escalating
the joy of merriment to a much higher level. The sweet sound of music
carries the 'taal' (rhythm) of Timila, Shudha Madhalam, Kombu (trumphet),
Edakka (drum) & Elathalam (cymbal) and embraces directly the heart
of the listener. Spare some time to visit the Thiruvambadi Temple,
during the 'Thrissur Pooram', also known as "Madathil Varavu"
to experience the magical moments of harmonic spirituality. |
It is a 500 years old classical dance drama,
which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomime.
The costumes and makeup are ornamental and elaborate. The actors do
not speak or sing but enact the story through mudras (head gestures),
graceful movements and facial expression. The pomp and magnificence
of Kathakali is partly due to its decor part of which is the ‘kireetam’
or huge headgear and the kanchukam the over sized jackets, and a long
skirt worn over a thick padding of cushions. A Kathakali actor enacts
his ideas through mudras. For this he follows a systematic sign language
based on Hastalakshana Deepika, a treatise on the language of hand
gestures.
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The Theyyam or Theyyattam is a popular ritual dance
of North Kerala, particularly now found in the traditional Kolathunadu,
of the present Kannur and Kasargode districts. As a living cult with
centuries old traditions, ritual and custom, it embraces almost all
castes and classes of Hindu religion in this region. The term Theyyam
is a corrupt form of daivam or God. It is a rare combination of dance
and music and reflects important features of a tribal culture. |
| Mohini the temptress, is a recurring character
in Hindhu mythology. Attom means dance. It is seductive dance performed
by women, sensuous in its appeal. In technique Mohiniyattom lies somewhere
between Kathakali and Bharathanatyam, Lyrical in the extreme keynote
is coquetry. The symmetrical patterns of emotion flow in balanced
nuances with smooth footwork, somewhat quickened body movements and
special music. |
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Thullal is a classical solo dance form, of Kerela,
which comes closer to contemporary life, and is marked for its simplicity,
wit and humour. Staged during temple festivals, the performer explicates
the verses through expressive gestures. The themes are based on mythology.
This satiric art form was introduced in the18th century by the renowned
poet Kunchan Nambiar. There are three related forms of Thullal - Ottanthullal
, Seethankanthullal and Parayanthullal. |
| Kalaripayittu originated in ancient South
India in the present day state of Kerala. Crafted in ancient South
India drawing inspiration from the raw power and sinuous strength
of the majestic animal forms – lion, tiger, elephant, wild boar,
snake, and crocodile ... Kalaripayattu laid down the combat code of
the Cholas, the Cheras and the Pandyas. Shrouded in deep mystery and
mists of secrecy Kalaripayattu was taught by the masters in total
isolation, away from prying eyes. |
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The most colourful temple festival of Kerala, Thrissur
Pooram, attracts large masses of devotees and spectators form all
parts of the world. It consists of processions of richly caparisoned
elephants. This festival was introduced by Sakthan Thampuran, the
Maharaja of erstwhile Kochi state. The Pooram festival is also well-known
for the magnificent display of fireworks. It is celebrated by two
rival groups representing the two divisions of Thrissur, Paramekkavu
and
Thiruvambadi vying with each other in making the display of fireworks
grander and more colourful. |
Each group is allowed to display a maximum
of fifteen elephants and all efforts are made by each party to secure
the best elephants in South India and the most artistic parasols,
several kind which are raised on the elephants during the display.
The commissioning of elephants and parasols is done in the utmost
secrecy by each party to excel the other. Commencing in the early
hours of the morning, the celebrations last till the break of dawn,
the next day.
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