THE DYING ART FORMS AND FOLKLORE OF GOD'S OWN COUNTRY





THE DYING ART FORMS AND FOLKLORE OF GOD'S OWN COUNTRY




                                       

                                           Theyyam  -  A dying folk dance of Kerala



Theyyam is a popular ritual folk dance of God's Own Country (Kerala), India, specifically originating in the northern Malabar region (primarily in the Kannur and Kasaragod districts).


Kerala holds a rich treasure of ancient folk art and street theater that are slowly fading away due to modern entertainment.


Mohiniyattam Classical Solo Dance from Kerala, India



Kerala has a vibrant and diverse tradition of folk, ritual, and martial arts that reflects its deep connection to mythology, nature, and community heritage.



Television, smartphones, and digital entertainment have replaced community gatherings and open-air street performances, reducing the popularity of these folk arts and dance forms.





                              Thiruvathirakkali - A mythical dance form to worship Lord Shiva   



Kerala's upper-caste Brahmin and Kshatriya women perform the Thiruvathirakkali dance.



    

                "Margam kali" - A traditional Christian dance originating in the first century A.D.



The Indian state of Kerala is known for its diverse performing arts. Kerala's various communities contribute to its rich, colorful culture.


Traditional customs, tales, sayings, dances, or art forms preserved among a people are known as folklore.



                         

                                      Kummattikkali - A dying folk art from  Kerala



Performers struggle to earn a basic living, forcing younger generations to abandon hereditary art forms for stable jobs and leading to the loss of these art forms.


Another reason for the decline of these dance and art forms is that traditional village festivals have decreased, and local temple committees face budget constraints.



Folk art forms are famous for their vibrant, insightful look at the stories, legends, and traditions of the past. Their mysticism lies in the elaborate preparation, natural setting, and the overall serene ambiance of the display. Some of these are famous folk art forms, the precious artifacts of our colorful past.




                      Kathakali, Dance form of Kerala | HinduPad

                           Kathakali - A dance form from Kerala




The most important traditional art forms of Kerala are Kathakali, Kalaripayattu, Mayilpeeli Thookkam, Koodiyattam, Theyyam, Mohiniyattam, Thullal, Padayani, Pulikali, Thiruvathirakali, Chakyarkoothu, Chavittunadakam, etc.





The official logo of Kerala Tourism



Major Folk and Ritual Arts of Kerala:


Theyyam: A powerful, sacred ritual dance from northern Kerala (primarily Kannur and Kasaragod) featuring striking, elaborate face paint and massive headgear, in which the performer is believed to temporarily embody a deity.


Padayani (Padyani): A ceremonial ritual dance from central/southern Kerala involving vibrant painted masks (kolams), rhythmic drumming, and torchlight processions to invoke Goddess Bhadrakali.


Pulikali: The famous "tiger dance" is performed during the Onam festival in Thrissur, where participants paint their bodies bright yellow, red, and black to resemble tigers and hunters, dancing to traditional percussion.


Kolkali: A popular folk dance in the Malabar region where players move in circles, striking small wooden sticks in rhythm with lively folk songs.


Kummattikkali: A colorful mask dance performed during Onam in Palakkad and Thrissur, featuring dancers in wooden masks and grass costumes.


Thiruvathirakali (Kaikottikali): A graceful traditional group dance performed by women in a circle around a lit brass lamp, usually during the Onam season.


Mudiyettu: A traditional ritual dance-drama from the Kuruppu community depicting the mythological battle between Goddess Kali and the demon Darika, recognized by UNESCO.


Kalaripayattu: Widely regarded as one of the oldest fighting systems, this ancient martial art blends combat techniques, weaponry, high jumps, and indigenous healing practices.



Kerala's vibrant culture features a rich collection of traditional art forms, powerful ritual dances, and folklore rooted in mythology and nature.

Endangered Folk and Street Theater:


Most of these art forms and folklore are reduced to performances for visiting tourists in God's Own Country, Kerala, India.



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