Kanyarkali
(the term probably derived from the story of Kannaki and the art form is also
mentioned as Kannakiyarkali or kanyarkali) also known as Desathukali is a
festival celebrated in celebrated in month of March or April in Kurumba
Bhagavathy temples in Palakkad District of Kerala India. It is a fast and swift
dance attuned to rhythmic devotional folk songs and asuravadyas. They are said
to originate from the pursuit of martial arts when the region was under threat
of attack from nearby Konganadu. Kannyarkali arose when dance and comedy were
added to the martial training sessions.The dances may be performed in either
the ritualistic Vattakkali style or the more relaxed Porattu style.
Kanyarkali
is performed over a period of four consecutive nights in a kali-pandhal which
is a circular tent supported by 56 poles and is extensively decorated with
flowers and garlands, especially the flowers of the Gulmohar tree. It is preceded
by four days of Edakkali and one day of Pandhalurakkam or rest. Then, the
Arangu Kali or the stage performance starts.
The
performances of each night carry a different name; namely – Ponnankali, Valloan, Aandikoothu and
Malamakali, respectively. The four days of festivities are concluded by
Thottamchollal or singing of lyrical praises of the goddess and Poovaral
ceremony.
Web Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TAGrClGYms
Kanyarkali
or Kanyaarkali is a performance that incorporates the essence of dance, drama,
music, song, and martial skills. This is performed at Bhagavathy temples in the
Alathur and Chittur Thaluks of Palakkad district. Kanyar Kali festivals are
largely in locations throughout Palakkad District— in Manjalur, Pallassena,
Pallavur, Mudappallur, Kakkayur, Kattusseri (Alathur), Kunissery Vadavannur,
Tathamangalam, Kozhalmannam, Pudiyankam, Nemmara, Chittlancherry,
Cheramangalam, Ayalur, Thiruvazhiyad, Athipotta, Vattekkad, Melarcode, Manjalur
Kannanore, Koduvayur and Puthucode. With no literature available regarding the dance
form, the knowledge of Kanyarkali is transferred from one generation to another
verbally.
Web Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqXL2eKH3Oc
Instruments and Dance
Musical instruments like chenda, maddalam,
elathalam, and chengala are used in these dances, and the costumes are very
colorful. Kanyarkali depicts the life of the 'Malayalam's who were one-time
slaves and dependents of the feudal chieftains and enemies of the Malabar area
in Kerala (family names like mallam, mallath etc are still at-large in nair
deshams),. The accompanying folk songs also throw some light on the ancient
feudal relationships.
