Tamil Nadu, a land known for its rich cultural heritage, has a deep-rooted tradition of dance, music, and art. Dance in Tamil Nadu is not just an art form but an expression of devotion, storytelling, and community celebration. The state is home to some of India’s most revered classical and folk dance forms, which have been passed down through generations.
The traditional dances of Tamil Nadu can be categorized into classical, folk, and ritualistic dance forms. Bharatanatyam, the most famous classical dance, originated in Tamil Nadu and has gained worldwide recognition. Alongside Bharatanatyam, Tamil Nadu has a variety of folk and ritualistic dances like Karakattam, Kummi, Kolattam, Mayilattam, and more, which are performed during festivals, temple rituals, and community gatherings.
The following table provides a summary of the key traditional dances of Tamil Nadu:
Traditional Dances of Tamil Nadu
| Dance Form | Type | Significance | Major Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bharatanatyam | Classical | Devotional dance dedicated to temple deities | Expressive gestures, storytelling through mudras |
| Karakattam | Folk | Performed in praise of the rain goddess Mariamman | Balancing pots on the head, acrobatic movements |
| Kummi | Folk | Community dance, often performed by women | Clapping rhythm, simple steps |
| Kolattam | Folk | Dance with sticks, performed in groups | Rhythmic beats, colorful costumes |
| Mayilattam | Folk/Ritualistic | Devotional dance performed in temples | Dancers dress as peacocks, graceful movements |
| Oyilattam | Folk | Village dance performed by men and women | Fast-paced, colorful handkerchiefs used |
| Devarattam | Folk | Dance of the Kambala Nayakar community | Performed with energetic steps, symbolic of bravery |
| Poikkal Kuthirai | Folk | Dancers wear horse-like structures | Lively footwork, dramatic movements |
| Therukoothu | Folk/Drama | Street theatre dance-drama | Based on epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata |
| Silambattam | Martial | Traditional martial art with sticks | Defensive techniques, swift footwork |
Tamil Nadu Traditional Dances
1. Bharatanatyam
Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and most prestigious classical dance forms of India, with origins in the temples of Tamil Nadu. It was traditionally performed by Devadasis (temple dancers) as an offering to the gods, particularly Lord Shiva in his Nataraja form.
- Characteristics: The dance follows the principles of Bhava (expression), Raga (melody), Tala (rhythm), and Natya (drama). It includes intricate hand gestures (mudras), facial expressions, and rhythmic footwork.
- Costumes: The female dancers wear a beautifully pleated silk saree, jewelry, and ghungroos (ankle bells). Male dancers wear dhotis and angavastrams.
- Music: Carnatic music with instruments like mridangam, veena, flute, and violin.
2. Karakattam
Karakattam is a vibrant folk dance dedicated to Mariamman, the rain goddess, and performed mainly in rural Tamil Nadu during festivals and temple celebrations.
- Characteristics: The dancers balance pots (karagam) on their heads while executing acrobatic and rhythmic movements.
- Costumes: Brightly colored sarees for women and dhotis for men, along with traditional jewelry.
- Music: Percussion instruments like thavil and nadaswaram accompany the dance.
3. Kummi
Kummi is a simple yet rhythmic folk dance performed by women in circles, clapping their hands in unison. It is commonly seen during Navratri, Pongal, and village festivals.
- Characteristics: Performed in circles, with synchronized clapping and simple footwork.
- Costumes: Traditional sarees or pavadai-davani (half-sarees) for women.
- Music: Folk songs sung by the dancers themselves.
4. Kolattam
Kolattam, also known as stick dance, is performed by groups of women or children, where dancers beat short sticks against each other in rhythm.
- Characteristics: Fast-paced dance, sticks clashing in rhythm, and intricate footwork.
- Costumes: Bright traditional attire with accessories.
- Music: Folk instruments like thavil and nadaswaram.
5. Mayilattam
Mayilattam, or Peacock Dance, is a devotional folk dance performed in temples. The dancers dress like peacocks, imitating the movements of the bird.
- Characteristics: Slow, graceful movements resembling a peacock’s dance.
- Costumes: The dancers wear peacock feather-adorned attire with elaborate makeup.
- Music: Devotional Tamil folk music.
6. Oyilattam
Oyilattam, meaning dance of grace, is a fast-paced folk dance performed in villages, mainly by men, holding colorful handkerchiefs.
- Characteristics: Energetic movements, coordinated footwork, and vibrant expressions.
- Costumes: Bright traditional attire, sometimes with turbans.
- Music: Drum beats and folk songs.
7. Devarattam
Devarattam is a traditional dance of the Kambala Nayakar community, symbolizing victory and valor.
- Characteristics: Fast-paced movements, warrior-like postures, and synchronized steps.
- Costumes: Traditional white dhotis with turbans.
- Music: Performed with instruments like urumi (drum) and thappu.
8. Poikkal Kuthirai
Poikkal Kuthirai, or the False-Legged Horse Dance, is a dramatic folk dance where performers attach a dummy horse to their waists, creating an illusion of riding a horse.
- Characteristics: The dancers move skillfully to mimic horse-riding actions.
- Costumes: A horse-shaped frame decorated with colorful cloth and embellishments.
- Music: Traditional folk music and drum beats.
9. Therukoothu
Therukoothu is a street theatre dance-drama, popular in rural Tamil Nadu, that narrates mythological stories, mainly from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
- Characteristics: Dialogue delivery, dramatic expressions, and musical storytelling.
- Costumes: Colorful costumes, elaborate face makeup, and heavy jewelry.
- Music: Accompanied by mridangam, harmonium, and cymbals.
10. Silambattam
Silambattam is both a martial art and a dance form of Tamil Nadu, involving combat techniques with bamboo sticks.
- Characteristics: Defensive and offensive stick-fighting techniques blended with footwork.
- Costumes: Simple dhoti and angavastram.
- Music: Drum beats synchronizing with the fighters’ movements.
Conclusion
The traditional dances of Tamil Nadu showcase the state’s cultural depth, artistic excellence, and historical richness. While Bharatanatyam continues to be a globally recognized classical dance, the folk dances such as Karakattam, Kummi, Mayilattam, and Therukoothu represent the state’s vibrant rural traditions. These dances are not just performances but a reflection of Tamil Nadu’s spiritual devotion, warrior spirit, and festive enthusiasm.
By preserving and promoting these traditional dances, Tamil Nadu continues to uphold its unique artistic identity, keeping its centuries-old heritage alive for future generations.
