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
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:
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.
