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 DakshinaChitra
celebrated Onam from August 11 to 19, 2007, with the main
objective of creating awareness about the various village
traditions among urbanites and to give visitors a chance to
enjoy themselves in a unique ambience of festivity.
During the festival, DakshinaChitra transfigured into a bright
spectacle of Kerala gaiety with colourful pookolam, devotional
music, thoranam decoration and a beautiful lamp to greet every
visitor at the centre.
A group performed the vibrant traditional performing arts
Velakali and Kalaripayattu.
Velakali: Velakali is a ritual art. A
group of performers in the traditional attire of soldiers,
bearing colourful shields and swords, danced with war-like steps
rhythmically to the tune of thakil, suddha manddalam, elathalam
and kuzhal.
Kalaripayattu: is an advanced combat
art. North Kerala-evolved Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest and
most comprehensive system of martial arts in the world. Defence
and attack are the pillars of Kalaripayattu. Meipayattu (body
combat) involves high jumping and kicking movements and striking
blows on vital spots of the body, using arms, shoulders and
hands.
DakshinaChitra craftshop made special
arrangements. The display took a complete Kerala hue
highlighting the crafts and textiles of Kerala.
To add flavour to the ongoing celebrations of
Onam festival, DakshinaChitra’s restaurant 'Kanali', supported
by the MGM Group, served Malayalee delicacies.
For more details, contact: Madras Craft
Foundation office: 24462435, 24918943.
R Rangaraj
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