Padayani

Padayani means, a column of army. This colourful ritual art symbolises the victory march of goddess Kali after defeating the demon Darika. The elaborate costume of the performer has slight resemblance to the costume of Theyyam. Padayani is the annual ritualistic festival celebrated in Bhadrakali temples of Central Travancore. It may be regarded as the remains of ancient Dravidian God concept and mode of worship offering Rathi that is lust, Raktham that is blood and Lahari that is toxic mood. Padayani is actually the combination of music, dance, painting, satire etc. Padayani reflects the ancient socialist society before Aryans and the four caste system. Padayani is celebrated during the months of Kumbham, Meenam, Medam which falls in the months of February, March and April. Kolamezhuthu, Kolamthullal, Kolappattu, Thappumelam, Vinodam are the essential parts of Padayani. Kolams are folk deities drawn on well processed green areca leaf sheath with natural colours. Kolappattu includes prayers, admiration and requests to deities. Thappu is the ‘Asuravadya’ made by covering round frame of Jack tree hardwood with buffalo hide. Kolamthullal is the rhythmic footstep and dances that a performer does in tune with Kolappattu and Thappumelam. Vinodam includes satire and protest targeting social evils and vanities. Bearing Palakkolam singing Kolappatu, dancing with the thalam of thappu , the whole villagers pray to God to bring in prosperity, to eradicate the ill effects of wicked deities, to ensure goodies from crops and so on. It is a way of worship with no intermediary between man and God.