 Dancers performing karakattam | |
| Etymology | Combination of theTamil wordskarakram (water pot), andattam (dance) |
|---|---|
| Genre | Tamil folk dance |
| Origin | Tamil Nadu, India |
Karakattam is an ancient folk dance ofTamil Nadu usually dedicated to goddessMariamman. As perTamil literature, the dance form originated from a mix ofBharatham and other folk dance forms. It was often performed in festivals and fairs, and used as a means to pray for rain. Different variations of the dance form exists, including Karagam Puja performed in theCaribbean.
Karakattam is an ancient folk dance ofTamil Nadu which involves balancing clay or metal pot(s) on the head while making movements with the body.[1] It is derived from the combination of theTamil wordskarakram (water pot), andattam (dance).[2] This dance is usually associated with the worship ofMariamman and played in festivals and fairs, and to pray for rain.[3] As perTamil literature, the dance form originated from a mix ofBharatham and other folk dance forms.[4]
The dancers balance pots on the head while making various movements with the hands and body.[5] The pots may be empty or sometimes filled with water and are decorated with colorful flowers and leaves mostlyneem, which is of medicinal and religious importance to the Tamils.[6][7] The performer may sometimes carry multiple pots layered on top of one another.[8] The art form was traditionally practiced by women, who wore saris. Men wearing make-up may join them sometimes as a part of the story line.[8] In the 21st century, the dance has been subjected to significant changes. It has sometimes obtained a reputation for vulgarity with women wearing shortskirts, showing of their midriff and bright make-up.[8]
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Different variations of the dance form exist. Sakthi Karakam is performed only in temples as a spiritual offering.[9] Aatta Karakam symbolizes joy and happiness, and is mainly performed as entertainment.[2][10]
InCaribbean Shaktism, a tradition found among theIndo-Caribbeans of Tamil origin, Karakattam is known as Karagam Puja or Kalasa Puja. The tradition was brought by theGirmityas, indentured servants from theIndian subcontinent. The practice takes place over three consecutive days and done as a dedication to the godsKamakshi andMeenakshi. The festival also involves honouring other gods such as a puja for Mariamman before the procession, a river procession where offerings on a board are thrown into water as a tribute toGanga Amman, andKaateri Maa.[10]
The pujaris (priests) enter a trance state and honour the village godsSangili Karuppu andMadurai Veeran through processions with various stunts such as whipping, putting hot camphor inside the mouth, and walking on hot coals before running to a pool made of milk. Other stunts can include piercing of the tongues and cheeks, dancing on sharpened machetes, and animal sacrifices are also made.[2] Thelotas are kept in the temple and consecrated accordingly, before being built with acoconut, several layers of neem andoleander flowers. Three participants enter the Sami Aduthal stage and then two of them carry the Karagams (usually these two participants being boys before hitting puberty or women), and the other one receives the god Madurai Veeran and is dressed with a garland of oleander flowers and carries a staff topped with neem leaves.[2][11]
Various Tamil films such asKarakattakkaran (1989), which featured a song "Maanguyilae Poonguyile" based on the dance form, andPadai Veetu Amman (2001) andSri Bannari Amman (2002) showcase karakattam.[10][12]