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When the sun rises in the jungle

Neelakandan — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 08:18:45 +0000

Theyyam in the making

Neelakandan — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:48:38 +0000

Kaala Puliyan Theyyam in the making

Neelakandan — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:22:18 +0000

Udayon

Neelakandan — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:32:51 +0000

Theyyam or Theyyattam is a popular Hindu ritual of worship in North Kerala state, India, predominant in the Kolathunadu area (consisting of present-day Kannur and Kasargod districts). As a living cult with several thousand-year-old traditions, rituals and customs, it embraces almost all the castes and classes of the Hindu religion in this region. The performers of Theyyam belong to the indigenous tribal community, and have an important position in Theyyam. This is unique, since only in Kerala, do both the upper-caste Brahmins and lower-caste tribals share an important position in a major form of worship. The term Theyyam is a corrupt form of Devam or God. People of these districts consider Theyyam itself as a God and they seek blessings from this Theyyam. [Source: Wiki]

In the Mist of Munnar

Neelakandan — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:51:47 +0000

Krishnanattam Performers

Neelakandan — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 02:56:47 +0000

Krishnanattam or Krishnattam is a temple art in Kerala, India. A dance drama presented to tell the story of krishna in eight stages. The dance form resembles kathakali. Krishnattam is mainly staged at guruvayoor temple by a group of experts.

The shot of Krishnan and Balaraman (Name of the characters) was taken from the green room.

Gopikas!

Neelakandan — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:02:36 +0000

Puli Kali

Neelakandan — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:43:15 +0000

Puli Kali (“Puli” = Tiger & “Kali” = Play in Malayalam language) also known as Kaduvakali is a colorful recreational folk art from the state of Kerala. It is performed by trained artists to entertain people on the occasion of Onam, an annual harvest festival, celebrated mainly in the Indian state of Kerala. On the fourth day of Onam celebrations (Nalaam Onam), performers painted like tigers and hunters in bright yellow, red, and black dance to the beats of instruments like Udukku and Thakil. Literal meaning of Pulikali is the ‘play of the tigers’ hence the performance revolve around the theme of tiger hunting. The folk art is mainly practiced in Thrissur district of Kerala. Best place to watch the show is Swaraj Ground at Thrissur city on the fourth day of Onam, where Pulikali troupes from all over the district assemble to display their skills. The festival attracts thousands of people to the city.

The origin of Pulikali dates back to over 200 years, when the King Ramavarma (Sakthan Thampuran) is said to have introduced the folk art. Muslim soldiers of the British Army (Nair Brigade) stationed in Thrissur in the army cantonment area (Pattalam Road) used to celebrate with great fervor. Along with the celebrations, they used to perform the art form decked as tigers with peculiar steps resembling the tiger, then known as ‘Pulikkettikali‘ which was immensely enjoyed by the locals. Pulikali in Thrissur is held in memory of this event. Source [Wiki]

Fishing in the woods

Neelakandan — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:29:49 +0000

The rain has started!

Neelakandan — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:06:52 +0000