Thiruvathirakali

Thiruvathirakali

Thiruvathirakali was initially a ritual dance performed by women, in order to attain marital bliss, on the Thiruvathira day of the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December - January). The dance is a celebration of marital fidelity and the female energy. And it is believed that such a performance brought Kamadeva (the god of love) back to life after he was reduced to ashes by the ire of Lord Siva.

Thiruvathirakali was initially a ritual dance performed by women, in order to attain marital bliss, on the Thiruvathira day of the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December - January). The dance is a celebration of marital fidelity and the female energy. And it is believed that such a performance brought Kamadeva (the god of love) back to life after he was reduced to ashes by the ire of Lord Siva. The sinuous movements of the group of dancers, around a nilavilakku, embody ‘ lasya’-the amorous charm and feminine grace. The dance follows a circular, pirouetting pattern and is accompanied by clapping of the hands and singing. Today, Thiruvathirakali has become a popular dance form for all seasons.