Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Traditions - Part 1

Its a different energy that's build within yourself when something really absorbs all your interest and attention. Recently that's exactly what happened to me.


"Kalamezhuthupattu" - is one among the many traditions which I have never ever seen or been a part of in all these years , even though I was born and brought up in Kerala.

The senior folks ( Kurups and Nambothiri's) explain each every attribute in detail, all that you need to do is show a little bit of interest and curiosity together with lots of listening skills.The one that I happened to witness was the "Vettakaran Paattu".It starts with what is called a "UchaaPattu" followed by the "Kalamezhuthupattu" in the evening.



I wonder, how on earth did this fascinate me ?

The "Kalam" captivated me in several ways. They use only the "Panjavarnagal" (5 colours - White,Black,Yellow,Red and Green) to create this marvelous and intricate composition. No templates,patters or moulds, but just fingers are used to elaborate this strenuous piece of art. The magic behind bringing life and transforming this masterpiece into one of a kind is nothing but the devotion and dedication of the artists.




The nose , that's detailed in a particularly, well you can call it an exotic way. All they did was to literally drop some colour on kalam and two "master-strokes" with those magical fingers, and the nose was ready. Simple!, yet elegant and mind-blowing.


Years of dedication for sure and no wonder its said " Practice Makes a Man Perfect".

I was keen in figuring  out on who would be that "Heartless Person" who would brave the odds and remove the "Kalam". Well,Its none other than the priest himself,however in a unique way,rounding the kalam with different steps and rhythms.



The "Namdwani" (today we call it the Nandunni) is the instrument that's played along with the song. The manner in which the priest enters the " Kalam"  and the manner in which he "wipes out" the kalam are unique as well. Immense respect and devotion, well beyond what I can describe in words.


For More Details : Kalamezhuthupaatu,Wiki