Patayani

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Patayani, a popular folk dance (anushtana kala)a ritual art of Kerala. "Kadammanitta Padayani" is being performed along with the 10 days long Pathamudaya Maholsavam at Kadammanitta Devi Temple during March - April ( from 1-10 of medam month in Malayalam Calendar) of every year. Medam 8th is popular for Grand padayani (Vellya Padeni)when all "kolams" under padayani will be performed by experts, and large number of people interested, from all over the country as well as a few foreigners who are regular visitors every year will come to see the magnificent performances, apart from many prominent cultural and social leaders.

Padayani is being performed as an offering to Goddess Kali (Devi) and often portrays the story of Goddess winning victory over Daarikan, an evil character. This ritual festival is famous in Kadammanitta village in Pathanamthitta district.

The youngsters of Kadammanitta under the leadership of Prof. Kadammanitta Vasudevan Pillai had formed "Kadammanitta Gothra Kala Kalari" through which this form of art has been taught to many and is being passed over to the generations.