In what was a true display of staying true to one’s roots, the live performances of Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Mailattam and Koodiyattam in an event organised by the Department of Tourism, Kerala at The Park, Hyderabad truly mesmerised crowds. The event was hosted as part of a partnership meet between tourism departments of Telangana and Kerala. Leading up to the performance were a series of audio-visuals that established the connection of the dance forms to several seasons and rituals in ‘God’s own country.’
In a visual sequence ‘Chasing the Monsoon’ explaining the significance of rains to Kerala’s culture, the proceedings commenced with a Mohiniyattam piece. The dancers in attires of red, green and yellow hues, depicted the joy they derive from rain. Still it was the Mailattam piece that stole the show in terms of visual artistry. With just a series of peacock feathers, a couple of sticks tied to their legs, the dancers holding a ‘trisulam’ did a lot to explain the origins of the form that evolved as a harbinger of rain.
What followed were items on Naracharita and Nagakani that dealt with the different moods of the trees in forests, the latter elaborating on how Godess Nagakani creates hope for a better tomorrow. Bringing more energy onto the stage was a folk dance, in connection with the farming practices of the State, focusing on the relationship between rains and spices. The culmination was fitting indeed, when several dance forms of the state came together reflecting their ‘unity in diversity’ in terms of dance forms. The event also discussed the literary riches of the state, particularly focusing on Alexander Frater’s
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