Home India | Home Kerala Invis Multimedia UNESCO
Kerala Videos
  Video Encyclopedia being developed by
  Invis Multimedia in association with UNESCO, New Delhi Office
indiavideo keralavideo
indiavideo keralavideo
Home > Kerala > Arts > Folk Art Forms
Parichamuttukali - an ancient war-like dance
View Text   

 
Views : 803

 

   Bookmark  Add this page to Delicious  Add this page to Google Bookmarks  Add this page to Reddit  Add this page to Furl  Add this page to Yahoo MyWeb  Add this page to Digg  Add this page to StumbleUpon

URL :
Embed :
About 'Parichamuttukali - an ancient war-like dance'

Parichamuttukali is a folk dance popular in the districts of Kottayam, Ernakulam and Malappuram in Kerala, India.

In this art form the dancers holding mock swords and shields dance around a lighted Nilavilakku (the traditional wicked lamp). The dancers follow steps of a sword fight and songs with martial themes are sung.

Ilathalam or cymbals, the only accompaniment, are struck in rhythm according to the steps of the performers. The dancers leap forward, step backward and move round in harmonious and gracious movements. Vigorous shouting and chanting are notable features of the dance.

Parichamuttukali is believed to be older than Kalarippayattu, the classical martial art of Kerala.

In the Malabar region (northern districts of Kerala), members of the Thiyya community take part in this dance, while in Kottayam it is more popular among the Christian community.

 
Post Your Comments Now
 
Name
 
Email
 
Comment
  Country
   
     
 
    Folk Art     Martial Art