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        Now, 'margazhi'— it's a festive and a music season. And that means gala time for artistes. Sabhas and cultural academies are hosting umpteen Carnatic musical concerts.

But how far have efforts been taken to bring out the hidden wealth of South India, folklore arts to the fore. The old traditions are vulnerable and challenged nowadays by television, cinema, westernisation and changing lifestyles.         It's true that folk performances that were extremely popular and regular in village festivals of South India are now facing oblivion. What is disheartening is that folk performers are turning to other occupations for their livelihood. However, many group and individual dances blended with classical forms are still thriving in Tamilnadu today.         But here is a folk artiste specialised in 'Devarattam', M Kannan Kumar, hailing from Jameen Kodangipatti near Vilathikulam in Tuticorin district. He says, 'I am committed to not only preserve the traditional folk art but also in developing it and taking it to the next generation'.         He has been conducting workshops in schools in Chennai and surrounding areas for more than 20,000 children and providing free training through his 'Bharathi Gramia Kalai Palli' . He is also in- charge of training DakshinaChitra's own folk performing art groups of children.

Artistes performing 'Devarattam'.

        'All credits go to my school teacher, Vellaichamy for he identified and recognised my inherent talent at the age of 11 during a stage performance', Kannan adds.

        Also, it is notable that his brother, M Kumara Raman received 'kalaimamani' in 1998 for his contribution to the folklore arts.

        Disclosing his connections with Dakshina Chitra, a main project of MCF, Kannan Kumar said that it had come up with providing three-month weekend training folk dance programme from 30 December with fee structure of Rs 1,500 for teachers and students, and Rs 2,250 for others so as to promote the folk lore art.

        The speciality of the course is all the students will be given training for 'Devarattam', 'Thappaattam', 'Silambaattam' 'Oyilattam', 'Karakam' but depending on the performance and interest of the them, they will be given certificates in particular folk art.

        He appealed to the government to preserve the folklore arts to open more music colleges offering degrees and diplomas in folklore arts.

        Also, folklore arts should be included in the school curricula to develop and consequently appoint school teachers to take classes for folklore arts.

        Further he may be contacted over 9841917739.
 

What is Devarattam?         It may be noted that Devarattam is a pure folk dance still preserved by the descendents of Veerapandiya Kattabomman dynasty at Kodangipatti of Madurai district. Actually it was performed once a year near the temple and that too restricted to that community alone.         The three modes of entertainment which are classified as Iyal—Literature, Isai—Music and Nadagam—Drama had their roots in the rural folk theatre like 'Therukoothu'. Tamilnadu had been known as a State to develop the art at a very early age.         Folklore research scholars have found that Devarattam is a combination of ancient 'muntherkuruvai' and 'pintherkuruvai' of the ancient Tamil Kings. It was performed in front of and on the chariot to mark the victorious return of the King and his army from the battlefield. Sometimes even the king and his marshals would dance on the chariot floor. The soldiers and women dancers would fall in line and dance behind the chariot, they mentioned.         It is also noted that this dance does not have any songs but only involves swaying to the beat of 'urumi melam', 'thappu melam' and sometimes, a long flute as is the case today. The dancers hold a kerchief in each hand and swing them as they dance. The person leading the dance wears false beard and a mask decorated with shells to look like teeth. He dances the first step, which others follow.         The other celebrated forms of village folk dances are, Oyil Kummi, Karagaattam, Kaavadi Aattam, Kali Aattam, Kolaattam, Theru Koothu, Kazhai Koothu, Villu Paattu, Chakkai Aattam, Kai Silambu Aattam, Kummi, Bagavatha Nadanam, Kamandi or Kaman Pandigai, Puli Aattam and other fancy-dress dances, Kuravan Kurathi Aattam, Poikkal Kudirai Aattam, Thappaattam, Silambaattam, Sevai Aattam, Ottan Koothu, Urumi Aattam, Snake Dance, etc.