Chennai Sangamam got off to a colourful start with folk artists from different parts of the State showcasing the traditional arts and culture of Tamil Nadu.
The idea is to have different art forms in open parks, beaches and streets which was an inspiration from the Bangaluru Habba celebrations.
The events that mark the festival include traditional and folk music shows folk dances, martial arts, classical music and dance performances, street plays, drama / theater etc
Karagaattam (Maadattam, Mayilaattam, Karadiaattam, Puliyaattam)
This is one of the showpieces of rural art, peculiar to Tamil Nadu. Young women dance several variations to the music of Naiyyandi Melam. The special feature of this art is that the dancer balances a painted pot on her head while performing a variety of specific foot movements in tune with the music and its rhythm. Karagattam is also known as Karaga Chembu and Kumbaattam. It is performed as an entertainment in temple celebrations. Generally as part of Karagattam performance, Mayilaattam, Puliyaattam, Karadiyaattam and Maadattam are performed. The performers costumed as Peacock, Bear, Tiger and Cow dance to the music of Nayyaandi Melam. The Artists mimic the movements of birds and animals and dance to the music. However in certain places these dance forms are performed separately.
Karagaattam
Puliyaattam
Kalarippayitru
When the word Kalari is uttered, images of Kerala comes to our mind. But the truth is Kalari originated in the district of Kanniyaakumari in Tamil Nadu and it is one of the ancient martial art forms of the Tamils. The word Kalari is derived from the Tamil word Kalam, which simply means a training ground. Sword, Knife, Maan Kombu, Kanda Kodali, Mazhu etc are the weapons that are used in Kalari. There are two kinds of Kalari. They are Vadakkan Kalari (Northern method) and Thekkan Kalari (Southern Method). The Kalari practiced in Tamil Nadu is the Southern style and is prevalent in the districts of Kanniyaakumari. The Kalari performers worship the God, Weapons, Guru and the Ground in the beginning of every performance.
Oyilattam
“Oyil” refers to “grace” and “attam” means “dance”. Therefore “Oyilattam” is the dance of graceful gestures. The dancers dress uniformly and the performers wear colorful turban and hold a piece of cloth in their hands.This dance form is generally performed during rituals associated with temples. Off late the dance form has come to be performed on stages too.
Chendai Melam
Chendai Melam is a percussion instrument traditionally performed by some community of Kanniyaakumari district. This instrument is much popular in the state of Kerala A team of men folk performs this. The performers hold the musical instruments in their shoulder and play the drums with sticks. Generally Chendai Melam is performed at religious festivals to invoke the spirit of the deities. Singara Melam is a part of Chendai Melam. Dancing to the tune of Chendai along with some other musical instrument is known as Singara melam.
Thapattam = Paraiattam
Thapattam is a Folk Dance of Tamil Nadu which has been known as Paraiattam in ancient Sangam Literatures. Parai is an instrument which is used for the declaration and the proclamation of Ancient Tamil King’s message and Orders to the Public. During Bhakti cult both the Saivite and Vaishnavite Saints have referred Parai as one of the ritual instruments in the worshipping patterns through penances. Sri Andal, the counter part of Meera in Tamil Nadu mentions this instrums, Parai in so many stanzas of her work Thirupavai. The uniqueness of Thappattam is that both the player and the dancer are same.
The dance happens for long hours, when performed at temples and other functions. It is these legs that make this happen.
Chettiyar Bommai
Usually we see the Chettiyar Bommai during navaratri kollu, but we have them on stage. It was a treat watching them.
Last but not the least
A team of young dancers danced to the tune of hum hum song.
Some candid shorts - From the sence
Gods doesn’t frighten me but the scams do,....
