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Art
forms
Theyyam
 is
the oldest ritual art form in India and one of the most
spectacular in terms of artistry and symbolism. Theyyam
literally means a form or shape, usually the representation
of a divine or heroic character from mythology. The Bekal
Resorts Development Corporation and the Information Centre
at the Bekal Fort provide an annual calendar of Theyyam
performances. For more information; www.folkland.org
Oppana
is an essential element in the wedding celebrations of the
Malabar Muslims. Maidens and young female relatives sing and
dance around the bride, clapping their hands. The verses are
first sung by the group leader and repeated by the chorus.
The themes are often teasing comments and innuendoes about
the bride’s anticipated nuptial bliss.
Oppana is also performed by men, friends and relatives
of the bridegroom.
Mappilappattu,
one of the most popular in the folk music repertoire of
Kerala, is the song of the Muslims of North Kerala. These
songs are written and rendered in an Arabic-Malayalam lingo.
Duffmuttu,
also
known as Aravanamuttu,
is another popular art form of the Muslims of Malabar. It is
performed both as a ritual and social entertainment during
festivals and nuptial ceremonies. A group of artistes keep
rhythm on a round percussion instrument called the duffu, while the leader sings and the group moves in circles. The
songs are often tributes to martyrs, heroes and saints.
Yakshaganam,
a classical dance-drama similar to Kathakali,
originated in Kumbala, Kasaragode is now performed in
the neighbouring state of Karnataka. The performers of this
colourful art wear huge headgears, elaborate facial make-up,
colourful costumes and ornaments, which give a superhuman
appearance to the character. The themes of the plays are
taken from the epics Ramayana
and Mahabharatha and other mythological stories. A performance is
accompanied by a vocalist and percussion orchestra. A Yakshaganam performance lasts for eight to nine hours.
Two variations of this art are Bayalattu
and Bommayattu. For more information, Mr. A.G. Nair, Karthikeya
Kalakendra, Kotoor, Kasaragod - 671 542.
Poorakali
is a popular ritual art performed in the Bhagavathy temples
of northern Kerala. Poorakali
artistes are specially trained and often experienced in Kalaripayattu,
the ancient martial art of Kerala. The performance is
done by a group of 10 to 15 persons who dance around a
nilavilakku (traditional lamp). Each performance has
eighteen different stages with characteristic rhythm. Every
phase has a complimentary song with or without musical
accompaniment. Sometimes a dance lasts an entire day.
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