Poikkal kuthirai attam
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
The 'false-legged horse' dance, in which a dancer wearing a dummy horse frame and wooden stilts prances like a horse.
FolkWhere: Puducherry and Tamil NaduOccasion: Temple festivals and processions, and cultural festivals
| Performed by | Men and women, often in pairs as king and queen riders |
|---|---|
| Costume | A light horse-shaped frame of cane, paper and cloth tied at the waist, with a long skirt that hides the dancer's legs and wooden stilts |
| Music and instruments | Naiyandi melam and folk drums |
How it is performed
- The dancer straps on the horse frame so that it looks as if he or she is riding.
- Wooden stilts on the feet make the sound of hooves as the dancer moves.
- The dancer trots, prances and turns to the drum beat, imitating a horse.
- Sometimes the riders hold a sword and shield and act out a mock fight.
Significance
The dance is associated with royal processions of the past and is a crowd favourite at temple festivals in the Tamil region.