Karakattam

Why in news?

• The Kerala Nattukala Kshema Sabha (KNKS), an outfit that works for the promotion of local art forms in the state, has demanded that Karakattam (also known as Kumbakkali in certain parts) be recognised as the agricultural art form of Kerala.

About Karakattam:

• It is an ancient folk dance of Tamil Nadu performed in praise of the rain goddess Mariamman.
• The ancient Tamil epic says that this type of dance derived from Bharatham and a mixture of multiple forms of Tamil dance forms like Bharatanatyam postures and mudras.
• The offering of this dance is to the goddess to bless rain.
• The dance accompanies songs like folk Carnatic (Amrithavarshini).
• Even though Karakattam is mostly famous in Tamil Nadu, it is performed in different parts of Kerala as well.
• Karakattam performances are characterised by a lot of swaying movements and joyous banter.
• Three tiers of flower arrangements of different colours sit on top of a container filled to the brim with either water, rice, or soil.  All of this is balanced on the head of a Karakattam dancer while he or she dances
• While the dance form is not dying, it has undergone radical change and adaptation in recent years.

Types:

• Traditionally, this dance is categorized into two types:
  • Aatta Karakam symbolizes joy and happiness. It is mainly performed as entertainment.
  • Sakthi Karakam is performed only in temples as a spiritual offering

PRACTICE QUESTION

With reference to ‘Karakattam’, consider the following statements:

1. It is an ancient folk dance of Tamil Nadu performed in praise of the rain goddess Mariamman

2. It is performed only in temples

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer