Arjuna Nritham

Arjuna nritham the literal meaning of which is the dance of Arjuna is a ritual art performed by men and is prevalent in the Bhagavathy temples of Kerala. Arjuna was most valiant of the five heroic brothers called the Pandavas in the epic Mahabharatha, was also a renowned singer and dancer and is said to have propitiated goddess Bhadrakaali by a devotional presentation. Arjuna nritham is also called Mayilppeeli nritham as the costume includes a characteristic garment made of mayilppeeli that is peacock feathers. This garment is worn around the waist and the performers have their face painted green and wear distinctive head-gears. The all-night performance of the dance form is usually presented solo or in pairs. The songs are strictly rhythm based and are called Kavithangal and deal with various themes of the Puranas that is the ancient Hindu scriptures. The various dance movements are closely similar to Kalarippayattu techniques. Percussion instruments like the chenda, maddalam, talachenda and ilathalam which is the cymbal form the musical accompaniment. During the performance of Arjuna Nritham, before each song the dancers explain the intricacies of the particular rhythm about to be employed and how this rhythm is translated into dance movements. Arjuna nritham is usually performed by men of Ezhava community and is prevalent in the temples of mainly Kollam, Alappuzha and Kottayam districts.

Related Topics
Folk Art Forms   Theyyam   Kalampattu   Kunhi Theyyam   Kaliyoottu   Kavadiyattam   Kummattikali   Kuthiyottam   Sarpapattu   Thidampunrittam   Mayilnrittam   Padayani   Pulikali   Margamkali   Cherumarkali   Mudiyettu   Kannyarkali   Theeyattu   Paana   Tholpavakoothu