A spectacular destination of ancient wisdom bestowed with eternal grace
of nature!
Dance
in South-India, is anchored to age-old tradition. This vast sub-continent
has perpetuated to varied forms of dancing, each shaped by the influences of
a particular period and environment. These pristine forms have been
preserved through the centuries, to become a part of our present culture, a
living heritage which is both our pride and delight. 
»
In its popular connotation, the name Bharat Natyam is understood in two
ways:
|
 |
Karagaattam
Karagam is a folk dance with musical
accompaniment, performed balancing a pot on the head. Traditionally,
this dance was performed by the villagers in praise of the rain goddess
Mari Amman and river goddess, Gangai Amman, performed with literature
with water pots balanced on their heads.
|
|
 |
Kummi
Kummi is one of the most important and ancient
forms of village dances of Tamilnadu. It originated when there were no
musical instruments, with the participants clapping their hands to keep
time. This is performed by women.
|
|
 |
Mayil Attam
This is done by girls dressed as peacocks,
resplendent with peacock feathers and a glittering headdress complete
with a beak. This beak can be opened and closed with the help of a
thread tied to it, and manipulated from within dress.
|
|
 |
Kolaattam
Kolaattam is an ancient village art. This is
mentioned in Kanchipuram as 'Cheivaikiyar Kolaattam', which proves its
antiquity. This is performed by women only, with two sticks held in each
hand, beaten to make a rhythmic noise.
|
|
 |
Oyil Kummi
This is an ancient folk dance form popular in
Trichy, Salem, Dharmapuri, Coimbatore and Erode. No other musical
instruments are used in this dance except the ankle-bells. This dance is
performed by men only, during temple festivals. Stories and episodes
centering around Murugan and Valli are depicted in the songs. As one of
the rare folk art forms of ancient Tamil Nadu, this is being practiced
now by the Telugu speaking people of the northern districts.
|
|
 |
Kavadi Aattam
The ancient Tamils when they went on pilgrimage,
carried the offerings to the gods tied on the either end of the long
stick, which was balanced on the shoulders. In order to lessen the
boredom of the long travel they used to sing and dance about the gods.
Kavadi Aattam has its origin in this practice. Special songs were
created to be sung while carrying the Kavadi Sindhu. This dance is
performed only by men. It is done by balancing a pole with pots fixed on
either end, filled with milk or cocunut water.
|
|
 |
Poikkal Kudirai Aattam
This is the Dummy Horse Dance where the dancer
bears the dummy figure of a horse's body on his/her hips. This is made
of light-weighted materials and the cloth at the sides swings to and fro
covering the legs of the dancer. The dancer dons wooden legs, which
sound like the hooves of the horse. The dancer brandishes either a sword
or a whip. This folk dance needs much training and skill. This dance is
accompanied by Naiyandi melam or Band music. This is connected to the
worship of Iyyanar, prevails manily around Thanjavur.
|
|
  |
Tamil
Nadu Cultural Tours (TT-13)
Duration : 05 Nights / 06 Days
Cities : Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mamallapuram - Pondicherry - Trichy - Madurai - Chennai |
|
Exotic
Tamilnadu Tour (TT-02)
Duration : 04 Nights / 05 Days
Cities : Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Trichy - Tanjore - Madurai - Chennai. |
|
|
Tamil
Nadu Holidays (TT-11)
Duration : 23 Nights / 24 Days
Cities : Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Thanjavur - Trichy..... |
Translator:-