What started as a project of making a character for a friend's young startup, is now a set of four characters that are now available as a coaster set and cushion cover at https://curiocity.in
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kerala is well known for Kathakali. But not many know about the state's cultural danceforms that happen at households and weddings. Hence I have illustrated four danceforms - Mohiniattam, Oppana, Thiruvathirakali and Margamkali.
The term 'Kuttikali' was coined from the words 'Kutti' (meaning kid) and 'kali' (meaning dance). Here is a set of illustrations portraying the cultural danceforms of
God's own country ~ Kerala
God's own country ~ Kerala
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mohiniattam - Derived from the words 'Mohini ' (meaning beautiful woman) and 'Attam ' (meaning dance). A classical dance that focuses on the feminine moods and emotions. The dance was developed in the Devadasi system which later evolved into a
classical danceform.
classical danceform.
MargamKali - An art form found among the Syrian Christians in Kerala. The dancers sing and dance around a Nilavilakku, clad in the simple traditional Christian women's attire. The lamp represents Christ and the performers his disciples.
OppanaKali - A popular form of entertainment among the Mappila community (kerala muslims) generally presented by women on a wedding day. The women sing, clap their hands rhythmically and dance around the bride who is seated on a chair, adorned in fine clothes, jewelry and mehendi on her hands and feet.
ThiruvathiraKali - It was initially a ritual dance performed by women in order to attain marital bliss. on the Thiruvathira day of the Malayalam month of Dhanu. Today it has become a popular dance form for all seasons, especially performed during the celebration of the Onam festival.
During the research process on the various danceforms of kerala, I found the theory of nine kinds of basic expressions ( Known as Navarasam ) to be very interesting. Below is a gif illustrating the nine different expressions seen in Mohiniattam.
