Songs of Patayani Patayani is a week-long ritual dance held
in Kaali temples along the banks of the Pamba river during the Malayalam
months of Meenam and Medam,(March-April). The choice theme of the
dancers is the slaying of the demon Daarikan by goddess Kaali. The
steps and movements of the dance vary according to each Kolam or
character. Thappu (a percussion instrument)
is the main accompaniment supported by a few Chendas.
Usually performed by the Nair community as a ritual
offering the village astrologer prepares the masks of the gods.
Bhairavi (Bhadrakaali), Yakshi, Pakshi (bird) and Kaalari
(Siva) are the main characters. Various communities
targetted for criticism are represented by jesters. The music involves
an invocation of the Goddess Bhadrakaali to bless the people and
forgive their mistakes.
Kadammanitta, Kadalimangalam, Neelamperur
and Othara in Pathanamthitta are famous for annual Patayani
performances
Festivals
: Kerala is a land
of colourful festivals, which have a long history and tradition behind them.
Kerala's innumerable festivals however stand out because of their uniqueness.