Thiruvathirakali
Thiruvathirakali was initially a ritual dance performed by women,
in order to attain marital bliss, on the Thiruvathira day of the
Malayalam month of Dhanu (December - January). The dance is a celebration
of marital fidelity and the female energy. And it is believed that
such a performance brought Kamadeva (the god of love) back to life
after he was reduced to ashes by the ire of Lord Siva. The sinuous
movements of the group of dancers, around a nilavilakku, embody
‘ lasya’-the amorous charm and feminine grace. The dance
follows a circular, pirouetting pattern and is accompanied by clapping
of the hands and singing. Today, Thiruvathirakali has become a popular
dance form for all seasons.
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.