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| keralatourism.org |
Kerala state is well-known for many native art dance forms such as kathakali, Mohini attam, etc. Among them Thiruvathirakali, also known as Kaikottikali, is equally an important one. It is a traditional dance form from Kerala that holds a special place in the state’s cultural heritage. It is primarily performed by women during festivals such as Onam and Thiruvathira, blending elegance, devotion, and rhythmic artistry. The dance is performed in a circular formation around a Nila Vilakku (oil lamps), mostly a traditional wick lamp that symbolizes light and prosperity. Additional elements like a Kindi (water container), Arippara (barrel of rice), and Ashtamangalayam (a set of eight auspicious items) are placed near the lamp to enhance the sanctity of the performance.
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| Thiruvathirakali or Kaikottikali, Kerala |
The dancers, dressed in traditional Kerala attire such as the Mundu Neriyathu or Kerala sari, move gracefully in rhythm with their own songs. Their hair is tied in a bun adorned with jasmine flowers and Dasapushpam, a collection of ten sacred flowers. The performance begins with prayers to Ganesha and Saraswati, followed by songs praising Shiva and Vishnu, folk tales, and Kathakali narratives. The dance incorporates coordinated hand movements, with rhythmic clapping both upwards and downwards, creating a harmonious and visually appealing sequence. Kummiyadi, a livelier form of movement, is often integrated into the performance, adding a dynamic element. The lasya, or slow-paced movements, is a defining characteristic of Kaikottikali, exuding grace and poise.
Kaikottikali is closely tied to the festival of Thiruvathira, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Dhanu. According to Hindu mythology, this day marks the birth star of Lord Shiva and commemorates his marriage to Parvati. Another legend links it to the story of Kamadeva, the God of Love, who was incinerated by Shiva’s third eye. Kamadeva’s wife, Rati Devi, mourned his demise and prayed to Shiva for her husband’s return, a tale believed to be the precursor to the festival. Traditionally, women fast on this day, bathe early in the morning, and adorn themselves with fresh flowers. A significant culinary tradition includes consuming Thiruvathira Puzhukku, a dish made with tubers and pulses, and Ettangadi, a special fasting item.
Kaikottikali is not just a dance but a community celebration that highlights Kerala’s cultural richness. It emphasizes harmony, as women perform together, moving gracefully to songs that often have devotional and mythological themes. The dance is an expression of joy, devotion, and cultural identity, symbolizing the collective spirit of Kerala’s women. Though rooted in specific festivals, it continues to be performed at weddings, cultural events, and other celebrations, keeping the tradition alive. The combination of vibrant costumes, rhythmic movements, and spiritual significance makes Kaikottikali an enduring and cherished art form of Kerala.
https://www.navrangindia.in/2020/12/kaikottikali-ancient-folk-dance-form-of.html
https://www.keralatourism.org/onam/onam-games/thiruvathirakkali
