A feast for
connoisseurs of Tamil Nadu Traditional Art
We never
thought that it would be such a fabulous extravaganza , an attempt to bring
back the fading lustre of what they called as “Natttupura Kalaigal”.
This was what they did exactly when they performed a 3 hours programme at Medavakkam , S&P
Lakeview Appartment Community as part of the Community’s Pongal Celebrations 2018.This was presented in the pleasant evening of the Pongal Day in the
coolness of January winter at the premises of the above apartment compex.. The
residents remained as main spectators and watched with wide eyes various items presented by Sukra Dance Academy
for Folk Dances of Tamil Nadu, Medavakkam. The team was headed by Dr.
Sundaramurthy who is at its helm and himself an exponent in Tamil Nadu Village traditional
dances like Mayilattom,Bamboo dance, Karagattam, Poikkal Kuthirai Attam,
Villupattu, Street show.etc.
It is a
general feature or custom to show case such programmes in front of tourists,
both domestic and foreign and its importance is slowly getting lost and such
artists are now rarely seen. This is mainly because it has lost its lustre
either because of films , TV shows ,
present day film songs or more importantly due to unattractive monetary benefits. It is at this background that Sukra Academy
for cultural arts has identified these fading arts and want to resurrect it by
training younger generations . Probably the organisers and the Acadmey both
might have felt that the present generations may be given a chance to witness
such programmes which they would never know in coming days. This make me
remember my visit to one of the domestic Zoos in Europe , Germany. When I was
told that one of our outings would include a visit to domestic zoo . We are used to visit Zoos but I had
never heard of domestic Zoo. My curiosity increased when we were nearing the
entrance of the Zoo. We were charged 25 Euros as entrance fee, ie roughly 1500
INR , as you know all such visits are chargeable . To my astonishment and
surprise I saw caged hens,rats, even lamps etc. and Cows and cattle behind fence
that were left freely to grace. Thus one way it is showcasing of domestic
animals which are now rarely seen in present day households and more
importantly present children are not even aware that once their grand and great
grand parents were having cows and cattle at their homes.
Coming to
the Pongal celebrations of S&P Apartments in Medavakkam, this happens to be
one of their important celebrations which they wait for every year eagerly to
look for new items or variety. The organisers probably understanding the mood
and expectations of their community did
not disappoint them. The festive mood was evident from 10th of
January itself with decorations and bit flags tied all over the buildings.
Colour lights started to blink every night in tune with the enthu. In the
previous night residents competed with each other in depicting designs
revealing themes and messages all around with their favourite rangolies or
traditionally called as “KOLAM” in tune with the traditions of Tamil Nadu. The
Kolam drawings went upto 1 am next day
and we could imagine the enthusiasam of
the residents.
Next day the
PONGAL day broke out and despite the fog
and chillness in the morning hours all assembled at the front where the seat of
Lord Ganesa, the deity with elephant head, was located who is believed to be the God for
removal of all obstacles. In front of the God , two bricks were placed on the
ground , to keep an earthern pot. In between the bricks fire was lit
representing the traditional “Virag aduppu”. All residents , a big crowd,
joined together , ladies , children , young and old stood around to see the
Pongal boiling to the brim, with full
enthusiasm and shouted unitedly in one voice “Pongalo Pongal, Pongalo Pongal”,
the voice reverberated in the air signalling the much awaited Pongal
celebrations with a difference as it was an integrated community Pongal . The
residents were from different cultural back ground, different states carrying
traditions of other states, community and different cast. Hence it is called as
an integrated community Pongal.
The
Community premises resembled a village atmosphere with bullock cart, big wheel
rots, rat jyothsyam, Punju mittai .Urban children got an opportunity to get a
flavaour of village atmosphere. Then followed various games from goli vilayattu
to running race etc,etc. Then came the much awaited Tamil Cultural Programme
presented by Sukra Dance academy.
The curtain
rose at 6 pm with a bang of traditional bands and drums and the dancers going around turning the residents frenzy .
Mr. Sundarmurthy appeared in the special stage prepared for the programme and
announced the first performance.
It was a
street play or Theruvu kooth. It was based on Mahbharatha which was depicted in a very simple and lucid
way. On the stage two actors dressed like warriors representing pandavas and
kauravas or Yudhishtira and Duryodhan. Then came the trickster Sakuni who
cheated them in the dice followed by Draupathy disrob.This was presented a
vivid way as a tamil folk dance which coulldbe easily under stood. The
transpiring of communication was so strong that whole important episode in
Mahabhratha was presented in a seven minute play. The play ended up with Draupathy’s woe to
kill Dusshasana and take revenge.
Pongal pictures are available at the link:
Next item
presented was babboo dance where the dancers presented their skill .It was
followed by a new number Jallikattu dance. Jallikattu witnessed a political
challenge with protests and rallies all over Tamil Nadu. Probably make it convincing the commentator gave an
explanation for Jallikattu. PoikalKuthirai, karagattam etc,etc. were a feast for eyes . The whole show ended with a
mass dance participated by most of the
residents who danced in tune with the drums and bands along with folk songs. It
was a frenzied atmosphere . As the curtain fell the residents retreated with
the sweet memories of the performance of Sukra artists thinking of the next
Pongal.
Adv. J
Venkitachalam
7305542434
No comments:
Post a Comment