There are myriad aspects of cultural expressions in different form of art that is unique to different regions across the globe. Dance, music, and art not only give a unique identity to each region, but also captivate the attention and great appreciation from the audience. Traditionally, religion is the prominent base for the evolution and performance of these forms. ‘Kuthiyottam’, originating from
Kerala, South India, is a traditional ritual. In essence, Kuthiyottam is symbolic of a human sacrifice to the Goddess – at the Chettikulangara Devi Temple. Kali or Bhagirathi or Bhadrakali
This Goddess, known by one of these names is revered as the supreme one. The folklore, many texts, and contexts, treat this Goddess as independent deity, generally not associated with a male God. In the legend, however, Kali’s male God is Lord Shiva. Goddess Kali is deemed to hold both the creative and destructive power of time. The Kali worshiping cult is recorded to have started in the early 6th century, A. There are scenarios depicting her battlefields fighting asuras or evil demons. Generally, Kali temples are built away from human habitations. The literary work, ‘Devi Mahatmiyam’ (meaning the exploits of Goddess Durga), describes an episode when Durga becomes extremely furious in one of her battles with the asuras. Her face turns pitch dark and Kali springs forth from her forehead. Kali is black; she wears a garland of human skulls, is clothed in tiger’s skin. She wields a weapon – a staff topped by human skull. She proceeds to destroy the asuras. The performance
Early in the morning on Bharani, 2 trained boys (age 8 -14 years), have their bodies pierced with silver wires. An areca-nut fixed on the tip of a knife is held high over their head. The boys are taken in procession to the temple with the accompaniment of music, drums, and ornamental umbrellas. Other classical folk art forms and richly caparisoned elephants also join the procession. All along the procession, coconut water gets poured on the boys’ bodies. After circumambulation, the boys stand in front of the sanctum sanctorum of Sreekovil (Kali temple interior) and start dancing. The last part of the ritual is the dragging of the silver wires on the boys’ bodies when a few drops of blood come out. In the night huge effigies are taken in chariots. The deity of Kali is carries to the effigies kept in the paddy field
