CULTURE OF KANYAKUMARI

Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India is a popular tourist destination. Along with spectacular sunrises and sunsets, the district of Kanyakumari is also known for its rich cultural heritage. Folk music and dance forms practiced here are not only a form of entertainment but an expression of Tamil Nadu’s culture and traditions. These dances are usually performed during festivals. Many of the tophotels in Kanyakumarioften organise special dance performances for their guests. Here’s a quick look at the different folk art forms of Kanyakumari.One of many festivals in Kanyakumari include the cape festival which is a big tourist attraction in India. The Cape festival is celebrated in the month of October.

Kanyakumari is a place which is named after a Hindu Goddess named Devi Kanya Kumari who was said to be Lord Krishna’s sister. According to a Hindu legend, it is said that Devi Kanya was an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Devi Kanya was set to marry Lord Shiva; however she fails to show up on the wedding day. The rice and the food that was supposed to be prepared was left untouched which then turned to stone. After which she is considered as a virgin goddess. It is also believed that she blesses the people who visit Kanyakumari.

1. Kalial

This is a folk dance performed by a group of boys or men. The men stand in a circle and dance around a lamp to the tune of a song sung by the leader of the group. Cymbals are often the sole instrument used in these performances. The steps vary from simple to elaborate and from a slow to quick pace. As the men dance, they twist and turn, lean forwards and backwards and jump to the beats of the music. When performed as a show, the dance usually begins with an invocation to the heavens and concludes with a torch dance.

 

2. Kathakali

Kathakali is the most famous dance form of this region. This is form of dance drama which involves elaborate costumes, masks and exaggerated eye and lip movement. A kathakali performance can last for anywhere between 8 to 10 hours. The dance form originated in Travancore and some of its movements are inspired by Bharatnatyam. A narrator narrates parts of the story while performers on stage enact the scene accompanied by music. Kathakali performances are usually organised in temples and during festivals.

 

3. Villu Pattu

Villu Pattu or Bow Song is an ancient musical form of storytelling. A bow is used as the main instrument in these performances along with other instruments such as a Kudam, Udukku and Thala-Kattai. In some performances the team may be divided into two groups. Each group presents an opposite point of view. In such performances the programme is conducted in the form of an exchange of questions and answers. This is also known as Lavani Pattu. Traditional folk songs are usually a part of these performances.

 

4. Karagam

The Karagam dance form is believed to have originated in Thanjavur. This is performed by men and women to honour the rain goddess and the river goddess. It is often a part of festivals and social celebrations such as weddings. The dance involves a series of intricate steps and movements such as dancing on a rolling log of wood, balancing pots of water on the head and moving up and down a ladder.

5. Kalari

Kalari or Kalaripayattu is an ancient form of martial arts practiced in Tamil Nadu that dates back to the 3rd century BC. There are three schools of Kalaripayattu; Arappa Kayy, Pilla Thangi and Vatten Thiripp. This style of martial arts combines a number of steps or Chuvatu and postures or Vadivu. The postures of Kalari are named after animals and vary in style from one school of Kalari to another. There are usually eight postures performed together. The best place to watch a Kalari performance is in one of the villages around Kanyakumari.

(So, when you plan a holiday to Kanyakumari, book one of the best Kanyakumari hotels and ask them about where you can catch a dance performance. This is something you don’t want to miss.)

People:

People of Kanyakumari are very optimistic and religious having great faith in the Goddess Kanyakumari – Amman. The people of this city are very nature lovers and you can see flocks of folks near beach to explore the views of sunset and sunrise.

Language and religion:

In broader sense, local residents of Kanyakumari used to speak Tamil and Malayalam. But, for tourists’ convenience, the local people used to speak Hindi and English.

Religious aspect of this magnificent city is also very strong. As per records, one can see here people of almost all religions residing in Kanyakumari. The major part of the city is covered by Hindus, but all the religions like Christianity, Muslim are also equally treated.

Food:

In Kanyakumari, foods prepared by the local people show its rich food culture and keenness to prepare the delicious food. The favorite food of the local people of Kanyakumari is Rice but Tapioca is also liked here especially, by the hilly people. Sea fishes, meat and agro products also form the main part of foods in Kanyakumari.

Local festivals, Art and music:

Local festivals show the main devotion of the local people towards enhancing the culture of the majestic city. The main festivals, celebrated with full bliss and excitement, are Navratri, Holi, Chaitra Purnima Festival, Cape Festival, etc. People of Kanyakumari also show their talent through impressive art and music.