Kannyarkali,
also known as Desathukali, is a folk art exclusively practised by the Nair community
of the Palakkad area. It owes its origin to the pursuit of martial arts in this
region which was under constant threat of attack from neighbouring Konganadu.
Kannyarkali was born when dance and comedy were pitched in to add vigour
and colour to the martial training sessions. The art form combines the agile
movements of martial arts with the rhythmic grace of folk dance performed
around a nilavilakku.
Performed during March-April in temples as well as in places called the '
Thara', a venue for informal gatherings, this art form is accompanied by devotional
folk songs and the loud beat of percussion instruments. The orchestra includes
ilathalam or cymbal and percussion instruments like chenda, maddalam, edakka
and udukku.
A team of Kannyarkali dancers varies from six to twenty in number and a performances
usually lasts for four days. Each day's performance is known by a different
name: Iravakali, Anadikoothu, Vallon and Malama. The last day's performance
is presented by hill tribes, in which women also participate.
Interested
? Book Tour through our Members
