Tamil Nadu's folk dances

Tamil Nadu, a southern state in India has a vital role in creating new dances and dancers. The traditional dances of Tamil Nadu such as Bharatanatyam, Karagattam, Mayilattam etc. has earned loads of name and fame throughout the world. This southern state has crafted the most celebrated folk dances of the world. Such folk dances are performed mostly during the local carnival celebration by the neighborhood people. Among the several folk dances of Tamil Nadu, the well-liked dances are Karagattam, Kummi and Mayilattam.

KARAGATTAM 

Karagam is a dance performed in praise of the rain goddess Mari Amman and river goddess Gangai Amman. This elderly folk dance of Tamil Nadu is performed by balancing a pot on the head. The pot is usually decorated with flowers and a plastic parrot mounts on the floral arrangement. This dance is popular all over Tamil Nadu although the origin is Thanjavur. Most artistes hail from Thanjavur, Pudhukottai, Madurai, Salem and Ramanathapuram. Karagattam is performed as a group typically. This dance form involves spectacular acts like dancing on plates, climbing ladders, bowing to take the kerchief in their mouth with the pot mounted on their heads.

KUMMI

Kummi is one of the most ancient dances of Tamil Nadu. This music-free dance is performed by women standing in a circle and they create music by clapping their hands rhythmically. It is mainly danced during temple festivals. The first line of the song is sung by the lady who leads the dance while others repeat it.

MAYILATTAM

This dance is performed by dancers dressed as peacocks resplendent with peacock feathers and a glittering head dress complete with a beak. The noteworthy part of the dance is the dancers' grace which goes well with the pleasant music.

Posted in: Regional Dance