Performance Art from India

"Chakyar Koothu"

Chakyar Koothu is a performance art from Kerala, South India. It is primarily a type of highly refinedmonologue where the performer narrates episodes from Hindu epics (such as theRamayana and the Mahabharata) and stories from the Puranas. Sometimes, however, it is also a traditional equivalent of the modernstand-up comedy act, incorporating commentary on current socio-political events (and personal comments directed at the members of the audience)

"Theyyam - Kerala"

Theyyam is a popular ritual form of worship of North Malabar in Kerala, India, predominant in the Kolathunadu area (consisting of present-day Kasargod, KannurDistricts, Mananthavady Taluk of Wayanadand Vadakara and Koyilandy Taluks ofKozhikode of Kerala) and also in Kodagu andTulu nadu of Karnataka as a living cult with several thousand-year-old traditions, rituals and customs. The performers of Theyyam belong to the lower caste community, and have an important position in Theyyam.People of districts these consider Theyyam itself as a God and they seek blessings from this Theyyam. A similar custom is followed in the Tulu Nadu region of neighbouring Karnataka known as Bhuta Kola.

" Kolkali "

Kolkali (Malayalam: കോൽകളി) is a folk art performed in North Malabar region of Kerala State in south India. The dance performers move in a circle, striking small sticks and keeping rhythm with special steps. The circle expands and contracts as the dance progress. The accompanying music gradually rises in pitch and the dance reaches its climax.

"DUFFMUTTU"

Duffmuttu (also: Dubhmuttu) (Malayalam: ദഫു knee) is an art form prevalent among Muslims in the Malabar region of the state of Kerala in south India. It derives its name from the duff, a percussion instrumentmade of wood and ox skin. The word duff is of Arabic origin and is also called athappitta.

" Puli Kali "

Puli Kali { "Puli" Leopard / Tiger & "Kali" = Play in Malayalam language} is a colorful recreational folk art from the state of Kerala.It is performed by trained artists to entertain people on the occasion of Onam, an annualharvest festival, in theIndian celebrated mainly state of Kerala. On the fourth day ofOnam celebrations {Nalaam Onam}, performers painted like tigers and hunters in bright yellow, red, and black dance to the beats of instruments like Udukku and Thakil. Literal meaning of Pulikali is the 'play of the tigers' hence the performance revolve around the theme of tiger hunting. The folk art is mainly practiced in Thrissur district of Kerala. Best place to watch the show is at Thrissur on the fourth day of Onam, where Pulikali troupes from all over the district assemble to display their skills. The festival attracts thousands of people to the Thrissur city. Pulikali is also performed during various other festive seasons.

"BURRAKATHA - ANDHRA PRADESH"

Burra katha, also spelled Burrakatha, is anoral storytelling technique in the Kathatradition, performed in villages of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The troupe consists of one main performer and two co-performers. It is a narrative entertainment that consists of prayers, solo drama, dance, songs, poems and jokes. The topic will be either aHindu mythological story or a contemporary social issue

"BATHUKAMMA - TELANGANA"

Bathukamma is floral festival celebrated by the Hindu women of Telangana. Every year this festival is celebrated as per Telugu version of Hindu calendar in the Bhadrapada Amavasya, also known as MahalayaAmavasya, usually in September-October of Gregorian calendar. Bathukamma is celebrated for nine days during DurgaNavratri. It starts on the day of Mahalaya Amavasya and the 9-day festivities will culminate on "Saddula Bathukamma" or "Pedda Bathukamma" festival on Ashwayuja Ashtami, popularly known as Durgashtami which is two days before Dussehra. Bathukamma is followed by Boddemma, which is a 7-day festival. Boddemma festival that marks the ending of Varsha Ruthu whereas Bathukamma festival indicates the beginning of Sarad or Sharath Ruthu

" KOLI - MAHARASHTRA"

Koli is one of the dance forms which are known for its lively dance. Koli is the name of the fisher folk who was belong to Maharashtra and this dance form named after them. is form Koli is the dance which based on the culture of sea and to highlight the occupation related to sea. The participants in this dance form are both men and women of the tribe. There are two sub divisions take place during the dance performance in which the first group which consist the fishermen who design themselves in to the two rows and carrying oars and moving in such a way that represent the movement of moving boat. The second group consists of fisherwomen who are stand by linking the arms with each other and dance towards the men folk. And then after these two groups structured together in order to show the movement of Waves. It is known as one of the form of folk dance which was named after the tribal or fisher community of Goa.