The popular Tamil folk dances

by Subashini PATHMANATHAN

Folk dances belong to the Desi dances. Folk dances are appreciated by the elite, as well as by the ordinary folk masses. A popular dance form is 'Kummi'. The songs used in ''Kummi' are simple and elegant, and set to folk music. The songs may be on philosophical themes, or relating to day-to-day life of the villagers. The 'Kummi' songs are sung by one female, or one female sings and others join in chorus. It is a group dance, accompanied by clapping of hands alternatively. It normally takes place at religious festivals, and social occasions. 'Kummi' is a close kin to Kolaattam.

But both have developed on two different lines. Whereas bare hands are used in 'Kummi', instead of using bare hands, sticks of the same shape and size are used in Kolaattam. Kolaattam is presented even as a part of classical dance recitals. The sticks are painted with different colours. This dance is also performed, in carnivals. Some categories of Adavus used in Bharatha Natyam are used in 'Kummi' and Kolaatam.

Another variety of Kolaatam is Pinnal Kolaattam. It is a very colourful and attractive dance form. Oyil Kummi is another form of kummi. It is danced only by males. This Oyil kummi is normally danced only in the nights during the Thai Pongal season.

Holding the handkerchiefs, in one hand, two lines of equal number of male dancers dance. It often resembles thandavas; consequently ordinary folk masses call it Oyil Aattam.

Another well-known dance closely associated with temple festivals is Kavadi.

There are different types of kavadis, such as Pal (milk) Kavadi, Puspa (flowers) Kavadi, Paneer Kavadi, Paravai Kavadi, Anna Kavadi, Unjal Kavadi, Macha Kavadi, and Sarpa Kavadi. Originally for Kavadi only a particular music, called Kavadi Sinthu was used. It is closely associated with the worship of Lord Muruga. In the 19th century Annamalai Reddiar compiled a series of songs on Lord Muruga, the presiding deity of Kalkhu Malai temple, in Tamil Nadu.And today sometimes devotional songs are used for kavadi as background music.

Bommal Aattam is another folk dance. It is a puppet show. The characters are made out of wood, or cloth. Puppets are activated, by strings. About 200 years ago in Thanjavoor district in Tamil Nadu this art was widely practised and acquired fame. This art is popular in southern Indian states, where the theme is Ramayana, Haricandranadakam, or Mahabharata.

Mayil Aattam (peacock dance) in which people dressed up like peacocks danced. This is no longer very popular.

Another popular folk dance is Puravai Aattam. In this dance horses are made out of paper, and bamboo, or cloth. Through, a slit, in the back the man appears, and with sticks tied to his legs and dances. This dance represents a man riding a horse. This art originated in Tamil Nadu, and gained wide popularity. The accompanying music is provided by the Natheswaram, but now even band is used.

Nilal Aattam (shadow dance) - In this dance, dolls made out of leather, are placed against the light, in such a manner as to let their shadows fall on the screen. This dance is also popular in Andhra, and Kerala. This dance has spread to Java and Sumatra.

Karakam is another popular folk dance of Tamil Nadu. Essentially a religious dance, in which women bearing pots, on their heads and dance. These pots are, filled with water and Margosa leaves. This form of worship is adapted to the worship of Amman, Muruga, and Iyanar. Instead of water, sometimes the pots contain a mixture of saffron, or milk, or other articles used in abishka.

Therukoothu (street dance) is popular with the rural folk. This was used from ancient times. The costumes used are big masks, long shoulder kavasam, chest covered with beads, and wearing large skirts. Normally the actors themselves sing or sometimes, background singers are employed. This is a combination of dance and drama, which includes dance, music, abinaya, and acting.

The development of modern media, such as radio, television, video, modern home theatre technology, influence of cinema, and the influence of classical dance forms, cumulatively have under-mind this art. And this art has been fostered by individual families. Different types of NattuKoothus Koothus are almost related to and similar to Therukoothu.

Devar Aattam is widely practised in Tamil Nadu, by a clan called Kampala Nayakar. An instrument called Devathunthurki: (a drum) is used in this dance. It is claimed that there are 103 adavus, which are called Aattam, in Devar Aattam. There is another dance form called Servai Aattam, it is practised by the same clan.

These are some of the popular folk dances, but there are many more.