Patayani
Patayani
is a week- long ritual dance, held in Kaali temples on the banks of the Pamba
river during the Malayalam months of Meenam and Medam (March - April).
The choice theme of the dancers is the slaying of the demon Daarikan by the
goddess Kaali. The steps and movements of the dance vary according to each Kolam
or character.
Thappu is the major percussion instrument accompanied by a few Chendas. Patayani
masks are made with the fresh spathe of arecanut palms.
Bhairavi (Bhadrakaali), Yakshi, Pakshi (bird) and Kaalari (Siva) are the main
characters.
Various communities targetted for criticism are represented by jestures.
Kadammanitta, Kadalimangalam and Othara in Pathanamthitta district? are famous
for annual Patayani performances.
Kerala Art & Culture
Theyyam ||
Patayani || Poothanumthirayum
|| Paana || Tholppavakkoothu
|| Velakali || Kalamezhuthu
|| Margomkali || Mudiyettu
|| Koothu || Kannyarkali
|| Arjuna Nritham || Kavadiyattom
|| Theeyattu || Kummattikkali
