Kummattikali : An important mask dance of kerala

Posted Date: 05-Mar-2011	Category: Arts of Kerala	Rating:
Author: Asha Kurian	Member Level: Gold	Points: 15 (Rs 10)

This article is related to kummattikali which is an important mask dance of Kerala.The costumes & instruments used in kummattikali are also discussed in this article.

An introduction to kummattikali

In India, the Kerala state is famous for kummattikali. This is a famous art form of Kerala. Actually this is a colorful dance form which is common during the onam seasons. In general we can say that this is a devotional art form of Kerala. Do you know the meaning of devotional art forms? Remember that art forms which are performed to please a particular god is known as devotional art forms. This is more common in the districts like Thrissur, Palghat etc situated in Kerala State, India.

Kummattikali is also known as the mask dance of kerala. Anyone can perform this art form now & no training is required. It is easy to learn kummattikali by participating in it. A large variety of masks & melodious songs are used in kummattikali. This is an art form usually assosciated with temples.

Costumes used in kummattikali

Do you know the costumes used in kummattikali? If not, check the below points.I have already mentioned that this is a mask dance. So remember that in kummattikali, the dancers wear mask which are colorfully painted. Usually the mask may be the faces of Krishna, Kiratha etc. Another point is that in kummattikali grass is used. That means some dancers cover their whole body with grass while some others wear skirts which are woven out of grass. I hope all kerala people are familiar with this art form.

The dancers who perform kummattikali move from house to house collecting several items which include rice & they entertain people. The interesting point related to kummattikali is that the themes used here are based on the stories of Ramayana.

Instruments used in kummattikali

Every art forms are assosciated with several instruments. It is interesting to note that onavillu is the instrument used in kummattikali. Actually what is onavillu? Remember that onavillu is the simple instrument which is bow shaped & the bow is made of arecanut wood. The rhythm for kummattikali is provided by vibrating the string in onavillu.

Promoting tourism

Kerala is a beautiful place which is attracted by tourists. The art forms of Kerala play an important role in attracting the tourists to God's own country. Remember to promote kummattikali so that
many tourists will be attracted to Kerala during onam seasons.

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