Monday

Karagattam - Folk Dance

Any village festival in Tamil Nadu is sort of incomplete without Karagattam. Until, my last trip to India, I never had a chance to meet and take pics of the dancers. This time round, we met a group in Namakkal, (Tamil Nadu, India) who were practicing for a competition! So I'd a good photo opportunity:)

Balancing the karagam - For SOOC and Shadow Shot Sunday 2
Yes, balancing this pot (Karagam) on top of the head without holding it and performing graceful, yet fast paced dance (attam) movements is KARAGAATAM!

Ready to dance

Until then, I used to wonder if they tie up or 'glue' the pot on their head and disguise with makeup! But now, for sure I know that it is purely an art of balancing the decorated 'karagam', which is most important to start the attam!!!

They dance with so much grace that it is hard to believe how the pot royally sits on their heads.

At times, as a challenge, they lie down on their stomach by few dexterous movements and pick up a small piece of wood or fruit from the ground, while balancing the karagam!!!

The dancers are called as 'karagattakaran (men) and karagattakari (women). The music is also very peepy and you feel like tapping your foot.

The man in white is musician of this troupe!

Karagattam should be highly regarded and encouraged. But, it is not considered as 'fashionable' among city dwellers, so, I feel that this form of art is under suffocation.

9 comments:

Indrani said...

That is indeed a skill. Great pictures.

YOGA said...

Very nice post ^_^, I like your post so much

YOGA said...

Very nice post ^_^, I like your post so much

Lighthousegal said...

Interesting post. They have wonderful balance and the headwear is so bright and colorfull. Great Photos!

Kelly said...

How fun and interesting! I don't think I'd ever be able to do that. I can remember trying to balance a book on my head as a child and finding it quite difficult.

Gemma Wiseman said...

Beautiful headgear on the dancers! They are so skilful and their movements creatively complement their headgear! A fascinating post!

Gemma Wiseman said...

Just a note - If you are participating in Shadow Shot Sunday 2, please provide a link somewhere in your post to the meme! Thank you!

Tatjana Parkacheva said...

Interesting and beautiful post.

Regards and best wishes

Unknown said...

Very nice photos... Great..

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