It
is a dance performed
by women for the everlasting
marital bliss, on Thiruvathira
day in the Malayalam
month of Dhanu (December-January).
It is a part of the
old custom followed
in nair joint families.
The dance is a celebration
of marital chastity
and female energy,
for this is what brought
Kamadeva (cupid of
Indian mythology)
back to his life after
he was reduced to
ashes by the fire
of lord Shiva.
The sensuous movements
executed by a group
of dancers around
a Nilavilakku, embody
"Lasya"
or the amorous charm
and grace of the feminine.
The dance follows
a circular, pirouetting
pattern accompanied
by clapping and singing.
The women of the
house dance elegantly
around the ceremonial
lamp or floral decoration
on festive occasions
to the accompaniment
of the Thiruvathira
Pattu (song).
