Dance forms are an integral part of the tradition and culture of Kerala. Be it an emotional expression or depicting Hindu mythology scenes, Kerala has several unique dance forms. One unique traditional dance form originating in Kerala is the Thiruvathirakali Dance.
Women of Kerala generally perform Thiruvathirakali to attain marital bliss. The women organize the Thiruvathirakali Dance, held during the Malayalam month of Dhanu on the night of Thiruvathira celebrations. The women of Kerala generally manage an important festival in Kerala. It is believed that the Thiruvathirakali Dance brought Kamdeva back to life after he had perished due to Lord Shiva.
During the Thiruvathirakali Dance, on the Thiruvathira festival of Kerala, women stay awake all night to check on the arrival of Lord Shiva. The graceful dance takes place around a Nilavilakku, or a lamp; the dance symbolizes female energy.
The women adorn themselves in best clothes and perform the Thiruvathirakali Dance around the lamp. They clap their hands and display an intricate variety of steps, which is quite different from the other dance forms of Kerala. A celebration of marital fidelity, the Thiruvathirakali Dance is now quite popular throughout all the seasons. However, tourists can take a Kerala tour between December and January to participate in the Thiruvathirakali Dance.
