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Bagavatha Nadanam
This dance is performed inside a temple, around a lamp. The purpose of
Bagavatha Nadanam is to worship Lord Krishna and celebrate his frolics
with the Gopikas. This is performed during the festivals of Rama Navami
and Gokilashtami.
Bommalattam Or Puppet Show
Puppet shows are held in every village in India during
festivals and fairs.
Even in Tamil Nadu they are famous and different kinds
of puppets are used for this show made of cloth, wood, leather, etc. They
are manipulated through strings or wires. The persons stand behind a
screen and the puppets are held in front. The stories enacted in the
puppet shows are from Puranas, epics and folklore.
Mayil Attam
Girls dressed as peacocks resplendent with peacock feathers and a
glittering headdress complete with a beak perform Mayil Attam in the
villages during village get-togethers.
Other similar dances are "Kaalai Attam" (dressed as a bull), "Karadi
Attam" (dressed as a bear), "Aali Aattam" (dressed as a
demon) and "Vedala Aattam" is performed wearing a mask depicting
demons.
Oyilattam
Oyil means beauty, hence Oyilattam is called 'Dance of Beauty', which is
performed near the temples or public places in the morning and evening
hours. Oyilattam is prevalent in the south districts and Kongu Nadu in
particular. Traditionally, only men performed this dance but ten years ago
women also began to participate. Styles of Oyilattam differ from place to
place.
Intricate steps are used in martial arts, such as Silambattam. This dance
is performed with rhythmic steps and musical instruments first with few
people standing in a row. Then gradually the row will become longer as the
new comers and guests all join and dance along as they like. The dancers
wear ankle-bells. Normally, the dance is performed with the accomplishment
of musical instruments and songs.
Snake Dance
Snake Dance is another famous rural dance form, which arises from the
popularity of the snake as a protective divinity, safeguarding the health
and happiness of the rural folk. Young girls dressed in a tight-fighting
costume designed like the snakeskin usually perform snake dance. The
dancer simulates the movements of the snake, writhing and creeping, at
times making quick biting movements with head and hands. The raised hands
held together look like the hood of a snake.
Urummi Attam
Urummi Attam is a temple art form found only in selected villages in a
few districts of Tamil Nadu. This dance is especially performed in Amman
temples during the month of 'Adi'. The whirring sound of 'Urumi' providing
the melody and the beat of the 'Thappu' providing the rhythm, accompany
the dance sequence.
Ottan Koothu
Ottan Koothu is a tribal art form of 'Ottas', a small group of tribals of
Tamil Nadu. It is performed by both men and women folk during festive
occasions to depict episodes from epics and other ancient stories.
Kamandi Or Kaman Pandigai
Kamandi or Kaman Pandigai is a dance form, which is performed to
commemorate the Puranic event when Shiva burned 'Manmada' the God of Love
to ashes in anger. The people in the village separate themselves into two
parties as 'Erintha Katchi' and 'Eriyatha Katchi' and a heated debate
ensues. Kaman and Rati, his consort, are main characters.
Puli
Attam
Puli Attam is performed during temple festivals, which draws large
crowds. This folkdance form is performed by young men with painted bodies
in colours yellow and black, complete with fangs, head gear with ears,
paws with claws and long tail, simulating the prancing, pouncing tiger in
every ferocious move amidst wildly beating drums. Usually a goat is
brought along with the dancers who pretend to pounce on it and kill it.
Kali Attam
Kali Attam is also known as "Koladi", "Kolkali", "Kambadi
Kali" and "Kolaattam". Kali means joy or fun and games. In
this dance form sticks of one-foot length are held in each hand and beaten
to make a sharp, rasping sound as the dance proceeds with unique steps,
twisting and turning.
Both men and women participate in this dance, which is performed during
festivals, auspicious days and weddings. The special qualities required to
perform this dance are quickness, alertness, while being careful no to
hurt the other dancers by the swinging 'Kol'. No special dress or make up
is required for this dance.
Sevai Attam
Sevai Attam is performed by village folk belonging especially to Nataka
community; it is a dance form devoted to 'Thirumal' (Maha Vishnu). In
earlier days this was performed at the rear of a chariot procession either
of a king or a deity.
Dancers form a group, with one of them acting the buffoon, dance to the
music of percussion instrument like 'Urumi'. The classical songs and the
measured steps with graceful movements are the special features of Sevai
Attam. In the works of Sangam this had been known as 'Pinther Kuruvai'.