Traditional Games and Dances of Kerala

India is a land of many myths and stories, of age-old cultures and traditions, some of which have been handed down from natives and others left behind by visitors. Its rich diversity is seen in every region and community. Each of its 28 states and 7 union territories are unique yet has a special role in making India what she is today.

One such state is Kerala, nestled among lush green paddy fields and coconut trees, lazing among fresh water lagoons and laced with sandy beaches. Like the others in India, it has its own festivals and traditions. Here, people still come together during the main festival of Onam in the month of September to get way from the busy modern lifestyle and revive the spirit of family and friendship. Here are some interesting games from this enchanting land.

Games

There are a number of indoor and outdoor games played in Kerala especially during Onam. The elders usually take part in a game of chess or cards while the younger members prefer to indulge in some noisy games outside.

Thalapanadu

Thalapandu is a common game played during this time. It is known better as a version of football. The ball is made of thick leather stuffed with coconut fibre or cotton. The participants form two teams called the ins and the outs. The participants kick the ball like in football until it goes beyond a stick that is placed as a boundary mark. The turn then goes to the next team. This is a game of many rules and stages but is one that has both players and spectators in a state of great excitement.

Kayyankali

Another popular sport is the combat. One is Kayyankali and the other is Attakalam. Kayyankali is a rather violent game that involves fighting with fists and elbows. It is played between two teams who stand facing each other while one member from each team comes to the centre for the combat.

Attakalam

The Attakalam is less violent. Here again there are two teams. One stands inside a circle drawn on the ground and the other stands outside. One member from the team outside enters the circle to touch or catch an insider. If he touches a member, the combat carries on between the two until he is taken or pulled out. This goes on until all those inside the circle are out. If any member cannot be caught, his team wins.

Ambeyyal

Ambeyyal or archery is yet another sport played using a bow made of bamboo and arrows made of midribs of coconut leaves. The target is a pointed piece of the stem of the plantain tree. The members of each team try to hit a mark made on the stem. The one who hits it last gets to collect all the arrows that are around. The aim is to deprive the other team of their arrows.

Dances

Kerala is also famous for dances and songs. While the children and the young male members carry on with their sport, the women in traditional families engage in singing ballads and dancing.

Kaikottikali

The ladies dressed in the typical attire of mundu and neriyathu move in circles around the pookalam clapping in a rhythm and moving elegantly to the beat of the song they sing. This is mainly performed during the Onam festival.

Thumbi Thullal

The Thumbi Thullal is a famous dance where the dancers sit in a circle and clap to the first couplet of a song sung by a leader. The others take on the song from there singing it in various melodious tunes. The leader then begins the next couplet. This goes on until the song is complete. The women also indulge in Oonjalattam, or swinging on coir ropes hung from the branches of tall trees in the courtyard.

Kummattikali

Kummattikali is a mask dance similar to many in South East Asia. The performers dress themselves in wooden masks depicting hunters or characters from the epics. They hold long sticks obtained from agricultural produce. Performers visit houses entertaining people and collecting food or gifts they get in return.

Pulikali

A more popular dance we see today is the Pulikali. The dancers paint themselves in bright yellow, black and red like tigers and hunters depicting tiger hunting. The very sight of the troupes is breathtaking as they move around the streets entertaining people.

These are enjoyed by people of all ages across all communities. It is the fun and excitement that bring the people together. Definitely something for an onlooker to take back.