Thidampunrittam

Thidampu Nritham is a 700 years old ritualistic art form and is mainly performed in north Kerala. The dancer carrying thidampu that is the symbolic image of the deity which is a half circled idol of god usually taken out of the temple during procession or festival on his head and dances to the rhythmic beats of the chenda and other instruments. Normally during temple festivals idols are carried on top of elephants for procession and the replicas of the deity will be carried on the shoulder and dancing with the replicas on the head is the speciality of Thidambu Nritham. The origin of this ritual art cannot be traced. It is believed that the Brahmans who had migrated to the North of Kerala at the time of Chirakkal Raja might have introduced this dance form. Replicas with beautiful frame and intricate designs are made using bamboo. Priest of the temple will be the performer. Other artists also accompany him. Seven artists with percussion instruments and two others holding aloft the ritualistic lamps accompany the dancer. Two decorated ornamental umbrella are also carried along by them. The artist wears multi-coloured jewellery and decorated turban known as Ushnipeetam. Footwork is the most important factor of this art and it is executed to the rhythm of the Chenda. This form of art is most prevalent in Kannur District and some parts of Kozhikode district also. The Thidampu Nritham is usually performed by the people of the Brahman caste or Namboothiris. The people of this community serve as priests in Hindu temples. Vethiramana Sreedharan Namboodiri is considered as the father of Thidambu Nritham.

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