Padayani

Padayani, also known Padeni (from the Malayalam word for military formations), is a traditional folk dance and a ritual art from the central portion of the Indian state of Kerala. A ceremonial dance involving masks, it is an ancient ritual performed in Bhagavati temples. The dance is performed in honor of Bhadrakaali. Meaning, a 'row of warriors', Padayani is an art form that blends all music, dance, theatre, satire, facial masks, and paintings. It is part of worship of Bhadrakali and is staged in temples dedicated to the goddess from mid-December to mid-May. Padayani is unique to central Travancore, comprising the Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts of Kerala. It is also performed in adjoining regions of Kollam, Alappuzha districts.

It is regarded as a remnant of the Dravidian forms of worship that existed before the advent of Brahmanism. Padayani is similar to the Theyyam ritual seen in northern Kerala. The percussion instruments used in Patayani are patayani thappu, chenda, para and kumbham.

The padayani at Puthukulangara Devi Temple in Othera, is particularly famous famous. A Bhairavi kolam is on the last day of festival, for which 1001 barks of areca palm is used. The main festival is on nakshatra trdrah of Meena.

"Pachathappu" is the first Malayalam film based on Padayani. Pachathappu is written and directed by Anu Purushoth. It was nominated Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Art Film of 2020

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