Parichakali
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
Martial dance with sword and shield, in which pairs of men stage mock combat to rhythmic songs.
MartialWhere: LakshadweepOccasion: Festivals and cultural programmes
| Performed by | Men, in pairs |
|---|---|
| Costume | Traditional dress; dancers carry a sword (often wooden) and a small shield (paricha) |
| Music and instruments | Folk songs that speed up as the combat grows fierce |
How it is performed
- Pairs of dancers face each other holding a sword in one hand and a shield in the other.
- To the rhythm of the songs, they advance, retreat, strike and parry in set moves.
- The pace rises with the song, and the clash of sword on shield becomes faster.
- The display ends with a salute between the opponents.
Significance
Parichakali takes its name from the paricha (shield). It preserves old martial skills in the form of a performance.