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| Native name | പൂതംകളി |
|---|---|
| Genre | Folk dance |
| Origin | Kerala, India |
Poothamkali is folk art form in the state ofKerala, India. This art form uses various types of decorations in the costume. It is usually performs in theBhagavathy temples ofMalappuram district. It is based on the myth ofDurga and her combat withDarika.[1]
Poothamkali is performed with various footsteps. The performers who wearschilanka, an anklet uses for dance dances according to the rhythm of a musical instrument namedthudi. The dancing is very slow at the beginning and then the pace increases. This needs a good body flexibility. Usually this art form is performed byMannans, a community in Kerala.[2][3]
Poothamkali has diversity in costumes and ornaments used. The costume resembles to that ofKathakali.Peacock feathers, cloth, silk, canes, mirror, papers with various colours and bamboo are used for the decoration. The performers wears different ornament inneck andwaist. They also wears specialbangles with thorns in wrists and shoulders. This ornaments are wearing above a red cloth.
Peacock's feathers are used instead of hairs. They wears a crown along with a coloured mask made up of wood. In this mask the tongue is stretched outwards. This represents the anger and rage ofShiva's soldiers.[citation needed] The colourful crown is semicircular in shape. The performers wield a shield in their hand.[4]
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