INDIA KERALA -RITUAL ARTS

RITUAL ARTS

MUDIYETTU is a traditional ritual theatre and folk dance drama from Kerala that enacts the mythological tale of a battle between the goddess Kali and the demon Darika. The ritual is a part of the Bhagavathi or Bhadrakali cult. The dance is performed in temples called “ Bhagvati Kavus”, the temples of the Mother Goddess, between February and May after the harvesting season . In 2010, Mudiyettu was inscribed in the UNESCO ‘S Representative List of the Intangible Cultural heritage of Humanity, becoming the second art form from Kerala after Koodiyattam.

KOTTIYATTAM

Kootiyattam , also known as Kuttiyattam, is a form of Sanskrit theatre traditionally performed in the state of Kerala. It is officially recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

KATHAKALI

KATHAKALI is one of the major forms of classical Indian dance. It is another “story play” genre of art, but one distinguished by its elaborately colourful make up, costumes and face masks wearing actor dancers, who have traditionally been all males. Kathakali’s roots are unclear. The fully developed style of Kathakali originated around the 17^th century, but its roots are in temple and folk arts such as Kootiyattam and religious drama of southwestern Indian peninsula, which are traceable to at least the 1^st  millennium CE.A Kathakali performance, like all classical dance arts of India, includes music, vocal performers , hand and facial gestures to express ideas and footwork. However, Kathakali differs in its style and incorporates movements from the ancient martial arts and athletic traditions of south India. Kathakali is also different in that the structure and details of its art developed in the court and theatres of Hindu principalities, unlike other classical Indian dances which primarily developed in Hindu temples and monastic schools.

KALAMEZHUTHU PATTU / VISHNUMAYA KALAM

The Kalam is unique drawing also called “ dhuleechithra” or powder drawing . The artist uses the floor as his canvas. Kalamezhuthupattu is performed as part of the rituals to worship and propitiate gods like Kaali , Ayyapan or Vettakkorumakan.

PATAYANI

Padayani , is  a traditional folk dance and a ritual art from the central portion of the Kerala. A ceremonial dance involving masks, it is an ancient ritual performed in Bhagavati temples. The dance is performed in honor of Bhadrakaali. Meaning, a” row of warriors”. It is part of worship of Bhadrakali and is staged in temples dedicated to the goddess from mid-December to Mid-May. Padayani is unique to central Traavancore, comprising the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala.

THEEYAATTAM

Theeyaattam also known as Theeyaattu is a traditional dance form. There were 2 types of Teeyaattm Bhadrakali Theeyattu and Ayyappan Theeyaattu. Bhadrakali Theeyattu is performed by Theeyarrunnis ( a Brahmin community in Kerala ) whereas Ayyappan Theeyaattu is performed by tiyyadi Nambiards ( Ambalavasi)

BHADRAKALI THEEYAATTU is a ritualistic dance usually performed in Bhadrakali temples, mostly in the Pathanamthitta , Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts of south central Kerala. Pallippurathu Kavu at Kottayam ( Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple, Panachimangalath Bhadrakali temple near Thodupuzha , Puthukulangara Devi Kshetram near Thiruvalla are some of the places where Teeyaathu is performed during annual festivals.

AYYAPPAN THEEYAATTU is a temple art performed by the Thiyyadi Nambiar community, a minuscule ambalavaso community living (basically) in 3 central Kerala districts of Thrissur , Palakkad and Malappuram. The all-male art centres around the mythological story of the birth of Lord Ayyappa from the relationship of Lord Vishnu in his ephemeral impersonations as Mohini and Lord Shiva.