Kanyarkali Dance

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.