Margomkali is a ritual folk art of the Syrian Christians of Kottayam
and Thrissur districts. A dozen dancers sing and dance around a lighted
wick lamp ( Nilavilakku), clad in the simple traditional white dhoti
and sporting a peacock feather on the turban to add a touch of colour.
This is an allegorical enactment with the lamp representing Christ
and the performers his disciples. The performance is usually held
in two parts and begins with songs and dances narrating the life of
St.Thomas, the apostle. It then takes a striking turn with a martial
play of artificial swords and shields.
The narration is stark without musical accompaniments. The songs
date back to a period much before the Portuguese invasion. Today,
Margomkali is only performed as a stage item by women.
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