Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 376

Koothu: It is usually performed inside a hall specially designed for the
purpose, the Koothambalam as it is known. There are different types of
Koothu like Chakiar Koothu, Nambiar Koothu, Tholpavakoothu etc. It is a
Temple art usually performed in Temples during Festivals. Chakair Koothu
usually represented Sanskrit dramas and Tholpavakoothu Tamil dramas
and is performed by a single character. The Chakiar usually plays the part
of a buffoon. Tholpavakoothu is enacted on a stage built near the temple.
This is actually a puppet show and the dialogues of the characters or
puppets are spoken by artists behind the screen. The stories are based
on an Kampa version of Ramayana written by the Tamil poet Kampa. The
languages used is a mixture of Tamil and Sanskrit.
Kakkirissi Natokam: It is a social entertainment of central Travancore,
Ambalapuzha and Trivandrum. The art is presented by out casts, Ezhavas
and Kurava communities. Time of origin of the art is unknown.
Kavadiyattam: Its the most common ritual dance offering in temples where
Lord Subramanya is the diety. This art form the devotees wear bright
yellow or saffon costumes with ash all over the body. They dance according
to the rhythmatic music of drums in frenzy carrying Kavadis on their
shoulders.
Mayilnritham: The another name of Mayilnritham is Mayilattam. It is a
ritual and performed by artists wearing peacock costumes. It is mainly
seen in Subramanya temples in South Kerala.
Kummatti: This form of art is mostly found in Wayanad, Trichur and Palakkad
districts. The performers of Kummatti wear masks and the dress is made
of grass and dry leaves. It is performed by different districts. In Trichur
district, it is a form of social entertainment performed by youngsters of
all communities. In order to receive the Blessings of the goddess.
Sometimes eight or ten artists perform Kummatti, the leader of the team
is Mother Kummatti holding a Kummatti stick. There is beating drum and
singing with background music. Other characters like Sri Krishna, Sri Siva
etc. are also seen on the stage. However Mother Kummatti’s appearance
is most attractive, this character wears the mask of a toothless old woman.
The approach of Kummatti is indicated by the beating of a small drum. In
Trichur it is performed for four days during Onam.
Theeyattu: This art form originated some 15,00 years back is performed in
villages of Central Kerala particularly Alappuzha and chengannur. The
performance starts at dusk and have 3 artists in a specially decorated pandal,
the ‘Kalam which is a five colour design pattern along with Nilavilakku and
peetam known as stool. They dance to the music of Elathalam, Chenda and
Chengila. The main costumes involved are huge jingling anklets and face
make-up with small dots. It is usually performed in Palaces and Namboothiri
Illams (homes) on birthdays and very special occassions. It is a devotional
offering made to goddess Bhadrakali and Sree Ayyappa.
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TRADITIONAL ARTFORMS|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS