This is margam kali, the traditional dance of Kerala's Syrian Christian women in a their very traditional attire of chatta (v-necked long blouse) and mundu (with a fancy fan-shaped tail at the back) and neriyathu (daavani in tamil parlance). Dont miss the kunukku on the ears and the golusu on the ankles.
But these are young performers, not grown-up women, the kind who did the dance in olden days. Youngsters brought from Bangalore for a huge fee for two performances. Sponsored by a friend of ours.
This was at our church on Saturday last, when the church held a perunnal and convention. I missed it since I was working late that evening, while V went with his father. The rain spoiled the last half, especially a splendid Kerala feast at the end for all who attended.
But on Sunday, we all took part in the closing ceremony when we had a procession round the church with muttukuda (ornamental umbrellas you might have seen at Kerala festivals), chendamelam (drums) and breakfast of appam and chicken curry courtesy the church. My son got a tiny umbrella to hold - many people hold the umbrellas as a votive (nercha).
Unfortunately I dont have pics of the latter - one forgets to carry the camera on crucial occasions (like today when my daughter started her new school at WCC).
p.s. I will think of uploading a video of the dance IF I find time at home.
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