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- The Kerala Nattukala Kshema Sabha (KNKS), an outfit that works for the promotion of local art forms in the state, has demanded that Karakattam (also known as Kumbakkali in certain parts) be recognised as the agricultural art form of Kerala.
Image Courtesy:IE
About Karakattam
- Karakattam is a form of folk dance performed at festivals, conferences, roadshows and primarily at Mariamman festivals.
- It is one of the many creative traditions that owe their existence to Mariamman, the rain goddess.
- While the dance form is not dying, it has undergone radical change and adaptation in recent years.
- Karakattam and agriculture have a link. It is because the Mariamman pooja is held in the month of Medam after Makarakkoythu (harvest season) in Kerala,
- Mariamman is considered to be the goddess of the rain.
- Karakattam is mostly famous in Tamil Nadu, it’s performed in different parts of Kerala as well.
- Characteristics:
- Karakattam performances are characterised by a lot of swaying movements and joyous banter.
- It requires a lot of practice and dedication. Three tiers of flower arrangements of different colours sit on top of a container filled to the brim with either water, rice, or soil.
- All of this is balanced on the head of a Karakattam dancer while he or she dances.”
- Other highlights include blowing fire, inserting needles into eyes, and keeping balance while holding a bottle parallel to the ground on the performer’s back.
Source: IE
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