This dance….
is called: Devarattam
Devarattam is a folk art from Tamil Nadu (South India) also known as the celestial dance of the Devas (demigods). It is an indigenous dance form of the Kambala Nayakars.
Societal relevance
The Kambala Nayakar is a indeginous community with cultural practices and customs practiced only within their community. The Kambala Nayakars originaly emigrated from the western Banks of southern India to Tamil Nadu around the 16th century after the fall of the empire fearing Muslim invaders.
The dance is performed though the length of a whole night. The dance is performed for various religious and life-events such as childbirth, puberty, marriage, and death. It used to be an integral part of the community. In the olden days, it was performed as a welcome dance to invite the kings and also as a motivational dance for the army before leaving for the battle-field. With time, Kamabala Nayakars begun worshipping Gods like Mariamman and Vishnu. It has now become a common practice to perform Devaraattam during temple festivals, especially during the festivals of Vaishnava temples.
Devaraattam was traditionally performed by men, but these days also women perform the dance. Today many students who learn Devarattam are no longer from the Kambala Nayakar community. Today the dance is performed in various events, including the Republic Day parades, and are not restricted to religious and community events. The dance form, once that was performed within a community has taken wings and is adapting itself to suit the needs of the changing society.
Costumes
Men, women, and children alike wear stringed brass bells or Salangai on their ankles and dance to the various tunes of the Deva Dundubhi. The men usually wear turbans and shirts during the Devaraattam performance. Sometimes they even wear costumes like a king, warrior, God etc., during the act.
Music
The Deva Dundubhi, a percussion instrument is essential for Devarattam performance. The dance cannot be performed without the beats from deva dundubhi, also known as urumi. It is a two-sided hollow structure, narrow in the centre and wide at ends made from vengai (Indian kino) wood. The ends are tied with goatskin. Two different sticks made from different woods are used on either end. The instrument is tied with a string on both ends and is worn by the player similar to a garland. The music that arises from the traditional drum deva dundhubi is of high decibel that there is no need for an amplifier. The left stick is wiped on the left side of the drum to produce a deep moaning sound. It is accompanied by rhythmic beats on either side. Devarattam has no lyrics. Its dancers just dance to the beats of the urumi.
[1] Talks with Akshata Ramesh (Dancer from India)
[2] Caleidoscope, Letzter Zugriff: 24.02.2022, https://www.caleidoscope.in/art-culture/devarattam-a-beautiful-folk-dance-of-tamil-nadu
[3] Beautyspotsofindia.com, Letzter Zugriff: 24.02.2022, https://beautyspotsofindia.com/devarattam-dance/
is called: Devarattam
Devarattam is a folk art from Tamil Nadu (South India) also known as the celestial dance of the Devas (demigods). It is an indigenous dance form of the Kambala Nayakars.
Societal relevance
The Kambala Nayakar is a indeginous community with cultural practices and customs practiced only within their community. The Kambala Nayakars originaly emigrated from the western Banks of southern India to Tamil Nadu around the 16th century after the fall of the empire fearing Muslim invaders.
The dance is performed though the length of a whole night. The dance is performed for various religious and life-events such as childbirth, puberty, marriage, and death. It used to be an integral part of the community. In the olden days, it was performed as a welcome dance to invite the kings and also as a motivational dance for the army before leaving for the battle-field. With time, Kamabala Nayakars begun worshipping Gods like Mariamman and Vishnu. It has now become a common practice to perform Devaraattam during temple festivals, especially during the festivals of Vaishnava temples.
Devaraattam was traditionally performed by men, but these days also women perform the dance. Today many students who learn Devarattam are no longer from the Kambala Nayakar community. Today the dance is performed in various events, including the Republic Day parades, and are not restricted to religious and community events. The dance form, once that was performed within a community has taken wings and is adapting itself to suit the needs of the changing society.
Costumes
Men, women, and children alike wear stringed brass bells or Salangai on their ankles and dance to the various tunes of the Deva Dundubhi. The men usually wear turbans and shirts during the Devaraattam performance. Sometimes they even wear costumes like a king, warrior, God etc., during the act.
Music
The Deva Dundubhi, a percussion instrument is essential for Devarattam performance. The dance cannot be performed without the beats from deva dundubhi, also known as urumi. It is a two-sided hollow structure, narrow in the centre and wide at ends made from vengai (Indian kino) wood. The ends are tied with goatskin. Two different sticks made from different woods are used on either end. The instrument is tied with a string on both ends and is worn by the player similar to a garland. The music that arises from the traditional drum deva dundhubi is of high decibel that there is no need for an amplifier. The left stick is wiped on the left side of the drum to produce a deep moaning sound. It is accompanied by rhythmic beats on either side. Devarattam has no lyrics. Its dancers just dance to the beats of the urumi.
[1] Talks with Akshata Ramesh (Dancer from India)
[2] Caleidoscope, Letzter Zugriff: 24.02.2022, https://www.caleidoscope.in/art-culture/devarattam-a-beautiful-folk-dance-of-tamil-nadu
[3] Beautyspotsofindia.com, Letzter Zugriff: 24.02.2022, https://beautyspotsofindia.com/devarattam-dance/
How to dance the dance
Kannan Kumar Master is keen on taking Devaraattam lessons and workshops. He can be reached at 99411 19358
Go for it!
Go for it!