Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 374

Daruka. Lord Brahma had given Daruka a boon that he would not be killed
easily. Each drop of blood that fell from his body would give rise to
another Daruka. Thus his opponent would be finally defeated. But the
mighty Bhadrakali did not allow his blood to spill. He was destroyed by
the fierce goddess wearing garlands of human skulls and bones. The
goddess lifted him up and severed his head, licked every drop of blood
that fell from his body. Mudiyettu represents the fight between good and
evil and the final victory of good.
Oppana: It is a particular type of group song and dance performed during a
Muslim marriage. This social entertainment is prevalent particularly in
the districts of Malapuram, Calcut and Kannur. It is usually performed by
ladies. This song is said to be 600 years old. The songs are often teasing
comments about the bride’s anticipation of marital bliss. On the wedding
eve the bride is made to sit in the centre, dressed in all her finery and her
friends and relatives stand all round her clapping their hands, singing
and dancing. Harmonium and tabla are some of the instruments used
while singing. It is usually performed during night and the duration of the
performance depends upon the length of the song.
Kurathiyattom: The Kurava Community perform this, during Temple Festivals.
Both youngsters and middle- aged people perform this art. The artists
consist of those who hunt the serpents, palmists and herb collectors. It
is performed differently in the South and North. Only three artists perform
in the South. Some times eight artists perform in the North. Very few
musical instruments are used. The main characters are the Kurava and
Kurathi who predict the future and also the wives of Vishnu and Siva.
They dance with hand gestures. Expressing different types of emotions.
Pulluvan Pattu: A ritual offering to appease Serpant deities prevalent in
Central Kerala. A Kalam, a picture of Serpant deity is drawn using variously
coloured powders. The drawings of Nagakalam is accompanied by the
playing of a unique string instrument called the Pulluvakudam which
produces the music similiar to that of a percussion instrument.
Kalamezhuthupattu: This is the ancient folk art of Kerala. This art form is
mainly bel