Kuthiyottam

A ritual art performed in Devi temples, mainly in south Kerala. Kuthiyottam is probably the single largest and unique devotee offering and it is performed in different ways in temples. A team of artists performs dance and songs. The songs are in praise of Durga and other deities. Parapets that is war songs and kalaripattu which is the martial art songs are the main songs sung. The dancers paint their faces. Musical instruments used are mainly percussion such as ganjira, bells and chaplankatta. Red curtains used as partitions on the stage. This is a 1200-year-old ritual and is performed by young boys. The performers observe certain austerities and are led by a man who teaches them the rituals. On the day of Kuthiyottam the performers are taken on a procession accompanied by temple orchestra and brightly colored tinselled parasols.

At Attukkal boys below the age of 13 years make the offering of Kuthiyottam. These young boys represent the wounded soldiers of the Goddess Mahishasura Marddini. On the third day of the festival these young boys receive the offering from the temple priest and start a seven day penance to purify their body and mind. For the purpose they have to pass through rigorous physical and mental discipline such as sleeping on the floor, observing strict diet restrictions, staying in the temple etc.

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