Arjuna nritham (the dance of Arjuna) is a ritual art performed by
men and is prevalent in the Bhagavathy temples of Kerala. Arjuna,
the most valiant of the five heroic brothers - the Pandavas - of the
epic Mahabharatha, was also a renowned singer and dancer and is said
to have propitiated goddess Bhadrakaali by a devotional presentation.
Arjuna nritham is also called Mayilppeeli nritham as the costume
includes a characteristic garment made of mayilppeeli (peacock feathers).
This garment is worn around the waist in a similar fashion as the
uduthukettu of Kathakali . The performers have their faces painted
green and wear distinctive headgears. The all night performance of
the dance form is usually presented solo or in pairs.
The songs which are strictly rhythm based are called Kavithangal
and deal with various themes of the Puranas (ancient Hindu scriptures).
Each Kavitham is composed to suit a specific rhythm. Before each song
the dancers explain the intricacies of the particular rhythm about
to be employed and how this rhythm is translated into dance movements.
The various dance movements are closely similar to Kalarippayattu
techniques. Percussion instruments like the chenda, maddalam, talachenda
and ilathalam (cymbal) form the musical accompaniment.
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