CULTURE OF TAMIL NADU-DANCE, MUSIC AND ARTS.10/UECA/008TAMIL NADUE ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

Tamil Nadu has deep rooted traditions of music, dance, folk arts and crafts, which are usually performed during festivals and fairs. Some of the main dance forms of Tamil Nadu are performed here.

DANCES OF TAMIL NADU:

BHARATNATYAM:

Bharat Natyam, is a classical form of dance performed in rhythm of Bhava, Raga and Tala, in bright and colorful costumes and ornaments. It was once performed by the Devadasis in the temples of South India, but today it is in its height of glory.

KARAGAATTAM:

Karagaattam is a very popular dance balancing a decorated pot topped by a paper parrot on the head with musical accompaniment.

Both male and female artists participate in this dance. When the artist swings according to the music the parrot on top too swings also.This is wonderful to watch.

KAVADI ATTAM:The Kavadi is made of bamboo strips and a light pole. Carrying the kavadi, the ancient people of Tamilnadu, went to pilgrimage singing devotional songs.

BOMALAATTAM (PUPPETRY):Bommalaattam forms of dances are held in rural areas during fairs and festivals depicting stories mainly from the puranas, epics and folklore. The artists stand behind a screen and make the puppets work through strings or wires.

POIKKAL KUDIRAI AATTAM:The dancer puts on the dummy figure of a horse on his hipsr. While performing the dance, the dancer uses either a sword or a whip.

THERUKOOTHU:Performed in the streets in the open air, with special costumes, during village festivals in the months of Panguni and Aadi, Therukoothu involves story telling, songs, dance and use of dialogue. The performances are based on stories from Puranas, Ramayana, Mahabharata and the local folklore.

FESTIVALS OF TAMIL NADU

FESTIVALS ARE A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF EVERY CULTURE AND COMMUNITY. THE FESTIVALS OF TAMIL NADU ARE VERY SPECIAL, AND MANY OF THEM ARE CELEBRATED ONLY IN THIS STATE.

KARTHIGAI DEEPAM

Karthigai Deepam Festival is the festival of lights. During this nine days of extravaganza, all the houses are illuminated with many lights and lamps. Beautiful processions of many deities are organized during the celebrations.

VINAYAKA CHATHURTHI:

Vinayaka Chathurthi is celebrated in many parts of the country. The rituals and method of celebrations in each part of the country is different. The festival dedicated to Lord Ganapathi and is celebrated in the month of September to October.

PONGAL:Pongal is the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu. People extend their tribute to the Sun, Nature and the Cattle wealth for helping them with a rich harvest and Prosperity. The traditional preparation of 'Pongal' i.e. boiling rice with jaggery and milk, takes place at every home. The tourist offices will organise celebrations for the benefit of foreign and domestic tourists. This thanks- giving festival is celebrated on the first day of the

DEEPAVALI:Deepavali festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil. During the celebrations, people light up their houses with lamps and lights and burn crackers.

TYPES OF CLOTHING WORN BY PEOPLE OF TAMIL NADU

The sari have imprints of varied motifs of temples which are more through the border. The designs are made from gold thread which makes most of the body of the sari. Coming with attractive zari work, the South Indian silk saris of Tamil Nadu is not only famous in the state but also throughout the country. The traditional wear of the men of Tamil Nadu are dhoti or lungi worn in the lower part and ‘angavastra’ that men wrap around the shoulders and is worn with a shirt. Originating in South, the traditional lungi is shorter in length in comparison to dhoti. The traditional garments of Tamil Nadu not only brings out the rich culture and heritage of the state but also whole of India.