‘Parichamuttu-kali’ is an ancient martial art form performed by the Christians
of northern and central Kerala. The origin of the art can be traced back to
ancient days when ‘Kalari-payattu,’ the martial art of Kerala, was in
vogue. I was fortunate to watch such troops accompanying church processions and
it was interesting.
‘Parichamuttu-kali’ is a group dance performed by men bearing swords and shields,
made of wood, and follow the movements and steps of ‘Kalari-payattu.’
The dancers tie a string of bells around the ankles and they move in a circle.
The leader of the group sings songs
to the chimes of a bell. Musical accompaniment is restricted to small cymbals
and the din made by the rhythmic clapping of swords and shields. As the pace of
the dance gradually heightens, the music also reaches a crescendo.
The dancers are usually
dressed in a white loin-cloth with red wrist-bands. They sing in chorus as they
dance. The dance that used to be performed as a religious offering is currently
gaining popularity as a Christian entertainment art.
Excerpts from
MEMOIRS
An autobiography
by
Joseph J. Thayamkeril
Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.
josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com
No comments:
Post a Comment