Deverattam
Devarattam ("dance of the gods") is the dance of the Kambalathu Nayakar community of Tamil Nadu,[1] who believe that they are the direct descendants of the 'devas' or gods. The dance involves fast and fluent movements to the rhythmic sound of Deva Thunthubi (Urumi (drum)), an hour-glass shaped drum that is struck on one side and rubbed on the other side with a curved stick.
Today, the dance is performed during festivals, marriages and other social occasions. Traditionally, it was performed when a king returned with his army after a successful battle..[2]
There are about 32 steps in Devarattam and every step is known as an adavu. At the start of the dance, all performers worship the musical instruments and then the musical performer begin to perform. This ritual is followed at the end of the performance too. This dance performance celebrates all life cycle ceremonies. It is tradition that every man from the Kambalathu Nayakar community should know this dance form.[3]
Devarattam is a pure dance form that is preserved by the descendants of Veerapandiya Kattabomman dynasty of the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. This dance is performed once in a year at the temple of the village and it is restricted by the village, The beauty of this dance performance lies with the rhythmic clapping of hands, matching footwork, anklets and bells that make the dance an expressive appeal to watch.
However, a few years ago this dance performance was considered only as a ritual among the community. With cultural diversification, this dance form is practiced as entertainment at various social and cultural functions across the globe.[4]
References
- ↑ "Maiden and memorable". The Hindu. 2004-03-22. Retrieved 2012-02-10.
- ↑ "Devarattam in Madurai India". India9.com. 2005-06-07. Retrieved 2012-02-10.
- ↑ "Deverattam". 1000folkarts.blogspot.in. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
- ↑ "Types of Art". mudiraja.com. Retrieved 3 April 2017.