Kanyarkali

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Kanyarkali (also known as Desathukali) is a fast moving, militant dance attuned to rhythmic devotional folk songs and asuravadyas. It is said to be a ritual offering in honour of Bhagavathy. The dances last for four days and are preceded by three days of Karivela and Vattakali. The programme for each day is known by a different name; the first day’s Kanyarkali being called Erawakkali and the next three day’s items being known as Aandikootu, Vallon and Malama respectively. There are more than forty ‘steps’ or puratts for the four-day programme. Though performed by Nairs, Kanyarkali depicts the life of the Malayans, one-time slaves and dependents of the feudal chieftains and jenmies of the Malabar area in Kerala. The accompanying folk songs also throw some light on the ancient feudal relationships. Musical instruments like chenda, maddalam, elathalam and chengala are used. The costumes are very colourful.