Kannyarkali

Kannyarkali, also known as Desathukali, is a folk art of Kerala. Kannyarkali is a temple-oriented folk art performed during festivals in  temples  and other places. This dance form is exclusively practised by the Nair community of the Palakkad area. It owes its origin to the pursuit of martial arts in this region. This region 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. 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 folk songs employed are highly devotional and the musical instruments used to perform this dance are Chenda, Maddalam, Edakka, Udukku and Ilathalam. The art form combines the agile movements of martial arts with the rhythmic grace of folk dance performed around a nilavilakku. A team of Kannyarkali dancers varies from six to twenty in number and the 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.

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