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Kummattikali
Kummattikali is a colourful and entertaining folk art. Coupled with
simple movements and ballads that narrate mainly comic incidents,
the art form appeals to all.
There
can be eight or ten artists in Kummatti apart from five or seven
other characters. The dancers wear colourful masks and are dressed
in 'dresses' made of special 'Kummatti pullu' grass. Mother
Kummatti is the leader and actor of the team. The character of
Mother Kummatti wears the mask of a toothless old woman. On her head
is a tuft of hair, worn in the old style of hairdressing.
The
performance begins with the beating of drum and signing. Background
music is provided by the striking of bow-strings. As the singers
begin their song, Mother Kummatti takes the stage. Mother Kummatti
acts holding a Kummatti stick. Masked actors representing Sri
Krishna, Sri Shiva, Kirathamoorthi, Ganapathi, Daruka and the hunter
play the part of onlookers. Kummattis play in front of each
individual house. There is usually an arpu (an oral
proclamation of high tempo) indicating the approach of a Kummatti. A
small drum is also used to attract attention.
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Kummattikali is prevalent mainly at Wayanad, Trichur and
Palakkad districts. In each district, the art is traditionally
performed by specific communities - In Palakkad, it is performed
by the Mannan community, while in Trichur the performers are
from the Nair community and in Wayanad almost all communities
handle this art. Each place performs the Kummattikali for
different reasons and on different occassions. In Trichur, this
is performed as a social entertainment during Onam festivities.
In Ottapalam Taluk of Palakkad district, Kummatti is an art
during the agricultural feast. At other places this is performed
as a temple ritual to receive the blessings of the Goddess. Of
these, Kizhakkumpattukara on the outskirts of Thrissur town is
considered the hotbed of this unique art from right since the
time of its origin. |
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Today, the most
popular exhibition of Kummattikali is at Thrissur, during the
festival of Onam. Groups of youngsters from all communities
enthusiastically take part in the dance which is performed on the 3
days of Onam.
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