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Culture
Photo Gallery 1,2
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Koodiyattam is the world's oldest form of theatre. Performed
in Sanskrit by both men and women it is staged in a special
temple theatre called Koothambalam.
The accompaniment is chiefly by the use of mizhavu
drums played by the Nambiars who sit at the
rear of the stage. These huge copper drums set the
mood for the play and heighten its drama. They also keep the
talam, the rhythmic pattern.
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Kathakali - meaning 'story play' is one of the most
difficult art forms to learn. It needs a minimum six years
of patience and total dedication to master. The dancers
enact ancient mythical stories from Indian mythology. While
costumes and make-up is elaborate, the stage is very simple.
Musicians sing the words of dialogue while the dancer
translates the words through his facial expressions,
gestures and poses. ð |
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Mohiniyattam literally mens 'Dance of the Enchantress'.
Performed only by women, it's graceful, flowing movements
are a fusion of the dances in the eastern and western
regions of south India.
Bharata
Natyam
is one of the four main classical styles in India.
It developed from ritualistic dances performed in the past
as offerings to the deities of Hindu temples and in a more
sophisticated form in the courts by solo female dancers ð |
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ïA fusion of the
three most famous South Indian dances - Kathakali,
Mohiniyattom and Bharathanatyam Kurathiattom
- A dance performed by Kurathis. Kurathis, are a set of
gypsies who go about from place to place telling fortunes.
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Kurathiyattom is usually performed by a set of gypsies known
as the Kurathis. The scene is of the wives of Lord Shiva and
Lord Vishnu arguing over their husbands' exploits.
Kaduva Kali or Puli kali is usually performed during the
Moharram and onam season. Dancers dress up as tigers
and dance vigorously to the loud beat of drums.
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ï Margam Kalli
is a group dance developed by the Syrian Christians of Kerala.
The word Margam means path and Kali means play. It was used
to propagate Christian ideas
Kaikottikali is a graceful, symmetric group dance usually
performed during the Thiruvathira and Onam season.
Accompanied by melodious songs, the dancers move in a circle
with graceful movements, clapping their hands.
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Daff muttu is a
group performance popular among the Muslims of Malabar. They
sing songs which are often a tribute to martyrs, heroes and
saints accompanied by the Daff.
Nangiarkoothu - It is a
solo dance - theatre form of the Nangiar women (traditional
acting community) of Kerala
,it had its origin from Koodiyattomð
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Kalaripayattu, the mother of all martial arts. With skills
that can kill or heal, this ancient art is practiced by both
men and women today. It usually takes about 6 to 7 years of
dedicated practice to master the art. Apart from physical
stamina, the art also develops mental and spiritual
strength. ð |
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ï Oppana
is a dance form mostly performed at wedding festivities of
the Malabar Muslims. Maidens and young female relatives sing
and dance around the bride, clapping their hands
Oppana is also
performed by Muslim men to entertain the bridegroom.
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Kutharib an art of Arab origin with a sufism ideology.
Mayilnritham/Mayilattom
(peacock dance) is a ritual art performed by artistes in
peacock costume. It is performed in the Subramanya temples
of South Kerala
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Theyyam or Kaliyattom is a sacred dance performance in
honour of gods, goddesses and ancient heroes and heroines.
Each manifestation in the dance is called a Kolam. It is
believed that the spirit of whoever the kolam represents is
tranfered to the dancer who has assumed that kolam.
Padayani
, is a colourful folk art connected with the festivals of
certain temples in Southern Kerala.
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Velichappaadu Thullal is a dance that deals with trances and
evil spirits. Only few are allowed to perform it.
Thullal is a
classical solo dance form, of Kerala, which comes closer to
contemporary life, and is marked for its simplicity, wit and
humour
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