சிலிர்க்க வைக்கும் தமிழ்நாட்டு நாட்டுப்புறப் பாரம்பரியம்.. Dancing Through History: Tamil Nadu’s Fol
- நயன்தாரா சூரியநாராயணன்
தமிழ்நாட்டின் சிறப்புகள் என்று லிஸ்ட் எடுக்க ஆரம்பித்தால் எழுதிக் கொண்டே போகலாம்.. கமா மட்டுமே போட முடியும்.. முற்றுப்புள்ளிக்கு அங்கு இடமே இல்லை.. உலகின் மூத்த குடியாச்சே.. எத்தனை எத்தனை ஆயிரம் காலத்துப் பயிர் இது.. எண்ண முடியாத அளவுக்கு எண்ணிக்கையில் அடங்காத அளவுக்கு கலாச்சார, பாரம்பரிய புகழையும், பெருமைகளையும் கொண்டது நம் தமிழ்க் குடி.
அப்படிப்பட்ட தமிழ்நாட்டின் சிறப்புகள் குறித்து இங்கு அழகான ஆங்கிலத்தில் விவரித்துள்ளார் நமது நயன்தாரா சூரியநாராயணன்.
Every temple procession or any local festivities are incomplete without the traditional folk dances which we all have partaken at some point of our life. Folk dances are traditional community driven movements reflecting local cultural, history, folk lore and agricultural cycles. India is home to a diverse array of folk dances, each reflecting the unique cultural heritage of its region. These traditional dances are an integral part of Indian culture, often performed during festivals, celebrations, and social gatherings. Every state has their own sets of folk dance varying from their prominent festivities , cultural heritage , agricultural traditions , their life and values for example Kalbelia by the Kalbelia tribe in Rajasthan is snake charmer dance with mesmerising movements and music, often featuring dancing like a snake or In Uttar Pradesh a popular folk theatre dance with music ,drama and storytelling is part of their tradition called Nautanki also since it’s the birth place of Krishna they celebrate A folk dance form called Raslila which is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and spirituality.
Similarly, the folk dance of Tamil Nadu is very vibrant, rhythmic and deeply rooted in rural, cultural,agricultural traditions and temple rituals, often featuring colourful costumes and energetic movements.
Tamil Nadu has got some very epic folk dances some of them are-
- Karagattam is a traditional fold dance from Tamil Nadu which is usually performed during festivals like Pongal and Aadi Perukku, often dedicated to Goddess Mariamman or Kali. This dance involves balancing decorative pot(karagam) on the head symbolizing the goddess power and blessings. Dancers sing and move rhythmically, showcasing skill and devotion. The exact date when this started is not know but it’s been recoded to be linked to Dravidian traditions and temple rituals.
- Mayilattam is commonly performed in temples and cultural events across Tamil Nadu particularly in temple festivals (Tiruvannamalai and Kanyakumari), Navaratri celebrations. In this the dancers wear peacock costumes and use props to mimic peacock movements, showcasing elegance and storytelling along with symbolising beauty and grace honouring Lord Subramanian
- Kovilpattu literally meaning “temple songs” reflects a vibrant dance form where the dancers sing and act out stories from epic like Ramayana or local legends accompanied by traditional instruments like nadaswaram and mridangam. One such temple is the Shenbagavalli Poovananthar temple in kovilpatti Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu where you can see Kovilpattu performance during the temple’s festival like the Sri Chenbagavalli Amman Festival on October 25, 2026
- Oyilattam is a traditional folk dance which has its ancient roots in Tamil culture linked to rural celebrations. This dance is usually performed in villages, temples and cultural events across Tamil Nadu. In this the dancers move in rhythmic patterns with clapping (Ohio) and steps either in a circle or in line with traditional attire. This dance symbolises joy, harmony and community bonding. Predominantly this dance is seen in Madurai district, Tirunelveli region and Kanyakumari area. Another folk dance predominant in rural village festivals and temples celebrations is Parai Attam were dancers move energetically with parai(drum) beats in vibrant costumes (men in dhoti and colourful shirts with headbands and women in bright saris) and rhythmic patterns. They even use props like stick, handkerchief to their performance
- Pulliyattam folk dance is linked to tiger worship signifying power, courage, valour and victory of good over evil. In this the dancers (typically performed by men) wear tiger costumes and masks, mimicking tiger movements accompanied by drums and music creating a thrilling atmosphere. Pulliyattam is often performed during temple processions and celebrations, especially those dedicated to Lord Ayyappan, Pongal and Mariamman temple festivals.
- Devaraattam is a lively folk dance accompanied by traditional instruments like thappu(drum) and pambai (flute) performed during temple festival and to celebrate harvest and fertility. In this dancer wear vibrant costumes and accessories. During Chithirai festival one can see the devarattam and Kargattam performance in Madhurai Meenakshi Amman temple
- Kolaatham dance is a fun dance form performed majorly by females in which they stand in a circle, often with sticks or ribbons. Accompanied by drum and folk songs, they try to weave a pattern, tap sticks and move in sync. This is a folk dance meant for celebrations, joy and bonding usually to celebrate harvest festival, wedding and Pongal. It is performed by various communities including Kongu community, Pallava community and scheduled castes and tribes
- Poi Kal Kudurai Attam is a traditional folk dance which relies on telling stories depicting war and valour through energetic movements mimicking horse galloping accompanied by drums and folk music. In this the dances wear horse costumes with artificial horse heads. This helps in preserving traditions and folklore and is often performed during Aadi Perukku (monsoon festival) and temple procession. You can easily see it in temples dedicated to Ayyanar like Thanjai Mamani Koil in Thanjavur, or Shiva temple Ekambareswarar temple in Kanchipuram
The rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu folk dance comprises more such wonderful dances which are still bonding communities, preserving the culture, expressing the emotions of everyday life and provides a spiritual connection. For me to list everyone of them is never going to let me complete this article however one can never deny that beyond the spotlight of well-known traditions, countless folk dances like Karagattam, Poi Kal Kudurai Attam and Kolaatham weave the vibrant tapestry of Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage, echoing stories of valour, devotion, and bonding community, reminding us of the richness that thrives in India's grassroots.