Padayani dance is one of the popular traditional folk dances of Kerala state of India. Generally, padayani dance is associated with the festivals of certain temples in southern Kerala like Alappuzha, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam district. It is performed in Bhagavati temples in honour of Bhadrakaali.
Padayani means a 'row of warriors'. This dance
form is an amalgamation of music, dance, theatre,
satire, facial masks, and paintings. In relation with this folk
art, there are mainly series of divine and semi-divine impersonations in the
performance of the dance.
Padyani is a modern form of Kolam Thullal, a ritual dance, which
had been performed by the magico-medicine men of Kerala (The Tinta endogamous
section of Ganaka community) .In olden days, this elaborate and expensive event
was carried out to heal illnesses of deep psychological dysfunctions without
any identifiable serious physical cause, and cases that seemed to be not
amenable to medical modalities of intervention. This form of psychic or
spiritual healing other wise known as Kolam Thullal, was solely designed,
controlled and performed by the Tinta sub sect of the Ganaka community, as a
method of exorcism. The folk art, Padayani made its development from this dance
performance, as a divine ritual tradition in association with festival
occasions of Bhagavathy (Bhadrakaali) temples of Kerala.
"Elanthoor Padayani" is being
performed along with 8 days long Padeni maholtsavam at Elanthoor
Bhagavathikunnu Devi Temple during February–March month of every year
(Malayalam month of kumbam)(starts on makayiram naal). 8th day from makayiram
naal is the grand padeni or Valya Padeni. Large crowd on valya padeni's
procession is a main attraction follows kaappoli program. Main kolams are Ganapathi,
Pishaachu, Sivakolam, Marutha, Koottamarutha, Rudra Marutha, Naayattu, Kuthira,
Pakshi, Sundara Yekshi, Anthara Yekshi, Maya Yekshi, Arakki Yekshi, Erinaaga
Yekshi, Maadan, Karinkkaali, Kaalankolam, Nina Bhairavi, Bhairavi,
Kaanjiramaala and Mangala Bhairavi. Other performances include Velakali,
Thaavadi, Pulavrittham, Pooppada and various types of Vinodhams such as
Kaakkarashi Drama, Paradeshi, Sharkarakudam, Ammumma, Pattarum Pennum, Ooraali,
Pulayan, Naadukaani, etc.
