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Ottan koothu
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Ottas, a small group of tribal, perform this form of ritual dance on festive occasions to depict episodes from epics and other ancient stores. The women folk also participate in the dance.
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Kamandi Or Kaman Pandigai
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This is celebrated to commemorate the puranic event when Manmada the God of love was burnt to ashes by Siva in anger. The villagers separate themselves into two parties as Erintha katchi and Eriyatha Katchi and a heated debate ensues. Kaman and Rathi, his consort, are main characters.
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Puli Aattam
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Puli Aattam is performed by young men with painted bodies in colures yellow and black, complete with fangs, head gear with claws and a long tail, simulating the prancing, pouncing tiger in every ferocious move. Wildly beating drums add frenzy to the performance. Sometimes , a goat is tied and brought along with the dancers , who pretend to pounce on it and kill it. This dance is regularly performed during temple festivals, drawing large crowds.
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Kali Aattam
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Kali means joy or fun and games. This is also know as Koladi, Kolkali, Kambadai Kali and Kolaattam. Sticks one foot in length are held in each hand and beaten to make a sharp, rasping sound as the dance proceeds with unique steps, twisting and turning. It is danced by both men and women, during festivals, auspicious days and weddings. The special qualities of the dance are quickness, alertness, while being careful not to hurt the other danceer by the swinging 'Kol'. Earlier, the 'Kols' were brightly painted and decorated with brass rings, bells etc. the dancers used to wear ankle-bells. 'However, no special dress or make up was used for this dance.
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Sevai Aattam
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This form of art is devoted to 'Thirumal' ( Maha Vishnu ) and is performed by village folk belonging especially to Nataka community. In this dance the performers forming a group, with one of them acting the buffoon, dance to the music of percussion instruments like "urumi". The classical songs and the measured steps with graceful movements are the special features of Sevai Aattam. In Sangam works this had been known as 'Pinther Kuravai'. In those days this was performed at the rear of a chariot procession either of a king or a deity.
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Villu Paattu
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The main singer here is accompanied by a chorus, musical instruments and a main instrument, the Villu or Bow, fixed with bells. The Villu is struck rhythmically when the bells jingle in tune. The main singer relates a tale, interspersed with lively songs.
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Mayil Aattam
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This is done by girls dressed as peacocks, resplendent with peacock feathers and a glittering head-dress complete with a beak. This beak can be opened and closed with the help of a thread tied to it, and manipulated from within the dress.
Other similar dances are, Kaalai Aattam (dressed as a bull ), Karadi Aattam ( dressed as a bear ) and Aali Aattam ( dressed as a demon ) which are performed in the villages during villages during village get-togethers. Vedala Aattam is performed wearing a mask depicting demons.
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Village Folk Dances
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Tamilnadu had developed the art of entertainment to its pristine heights at a very early age. The three modes of entertainment classified as lyal ( Literature ), Isai ( Music ) and Nadagam ( Drama ) had their roots on the rural folk theatre like Therukoothu. Many forms of group and individual dances vie with the classical form s for popularity and sheer entertainment value. Majority of these dances are still thriving in Tamilnadu today.
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