Patayani is a week-long ritual dance held in Kaali temples along
the banks of the Pamba river during the Malayalam months of Meenam
and Medam,(March-April). The choice theme of the dancers is the slaying
of the demon Daarikan by goddess Kaali. The steps and movements of
the dance vary according to each Kolam or character. Thappu (a percussion
instrument) is the main accompaniment supported by a few Chendas.
Usually performed by the Nair community as a ritual offering the
village astrologer prepares the masks of the gods. Bhairavi (Bhadrakaali),
Yakshi, Pakshi (bird) and Kaalari (Siva) are the main characters.
Various communities targetted for criticism are represented by jesters.
The music involves an invocation of the Goddess Bhadrakaali to bless
the people and forgive their mistakes.
Kadammanitta, Kadalimangalam, Neelamperur and Othara in Pathanamthitta
are famous for annual Patayani performances.
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