2022
In Kerala (India), there are many performing art forms which depict its cultural heritage. Many of them are not very popular or popular only in some areas; one of them is ‘Velakali’ which is a traditional ‘Martial Art’ form which is a fight sequence. The Velakali is performed during temple festivals and is majorly presented by the Nair community.
Do you have any such Ancient/Rural Art forms? Can you share a shot of an art form you like?
Photo #2; Caption: A portrait of a young artist holding a sword and shield.
The artists wear brightly coloured, exclusive costumes and will have a sword and shield in their hands. Though most of Kerala’s performing arts are accompanied by recital (vocal music) along with accompaniments, the Velakali is accompanied by drums, cymbals, and horns.
The history of this art is not very clear; but, today’s form of this art can be briefed as follows:
The Ambalapuzha was a ‘local country’ (much before the name Kerala). To boost the martial spirit among the young men, the ruler ordered his army chieftains Mathoor Panicker and Velloor Kurup to create a dance form of Martial Art. The Mathoor Panicker was a skilled warrior and an accomplished dancer - Velekali was born out of this and became very popular (in the 18th century).
Velakali was a dying art form but fortunately, recently most such ancient art forms are finding a lot of popularity. There are many other art forms, which we can discuss later.
Here is a 45-second VIDEO which gives you an overall idea of the Art & Temple Atmosphere; the art is performed in the presence of two elephants, too. (Unfortunately, this video was not captured on my mobile due to low power)
Note:
These photos & video were captured on 19th Feb 2024 in Sree Vallabha Swamy Temple, Thiruvalla, Kerala during the annual festival of this temple.
@Praniketmore @ShubhamWaman @Shubhu1 @Nachiket_methre @prashant_kyada @Raj_Tayade @RaviSharma111 @ShifaAymal @Ru_pali4 @bhayani_naitik
Dance, martial arts, and music are a unique combination I haven't seen elsewhere.
Your photos highlight this amazing tradition in a spectacular fashion @TravellerG 👍
Velakali is truly entertaining. Watching the video now...
[UPDATE after watching the video]
The decorations on the elephants are majestic and done with so much passion and care.
The creates must be feeling special too.
The atmosphere seems highly charged and energetic in the video.
Any reason why this is held after sunset?
Firstly, I thank you very, very much for your quick and valuable response, my dear @Tushar_Suradkar,
I'm very happy that you enjoyed the post!
I shall add some more posts about such art forms, which are very rare; also the decorations & costumes of elephants which are very interesting!
"Any reason why this is held after sunset?"
The Velakali is performed during the day time also; however, for the lighting effect, it is presented in the night when the "Temple Deity" is present over the elephant, which is also a part of the ritual.
Hope, I have explained it in full.
It sounds like Velakali is a really interesting art form.
The costumes and music must make it a very exciting performance to watch! @TravellerG
Thank you so much for sharing this cultural heritage with us.
Yes, you are right, elephants also enjoy a lot... And the overall environment with the temple lights, drums, etc makes a hypnotic effect!
You need to be physically present to be enjoying in actually visit of the moment.
Thank you very much for your detail to comment, dear friend @Ru_pali4
Hope to see contributions from you also...
🤝❤️🌷
