Karagattam
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A Tamil folk dance in which dancers balance a decorated pot on the head while dancing, performed at village temple festivals in Puducherry.
FolkWhere: Puducherry and Tamil NaduOccasion: Festivals of the village goddess, especially in the Tamil month of Aadi (July–August), and cultural events
| Performed by | Men and women, solo or in pairs and groups |
|---|---|
| Costume | Bright costumes with a tall, flower-decked karagam (pot) on the head |
| Music and instruments | Naiyandi melam: nadaswaram, thavil and other drums |
How it is performed
- The karagam, a brass or clay pot decorated with flowers and a tall cone, is placed on the dancer's head.
- Dancers move to the fast beat of the drums without touching the pot.
- They spin, bend, sit and rise, and even dance on a raised plank or the rim of a pot.
- Skilled dancers perform tricks such as picking up objects from the ground with the karagam still balanced.
Significance
The karagam is a symbol of the goddess Mariamman, and the dance began as worship for rain and good health. It is now also a popular stage art.