Karagattam
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A folk dance in which performers balance a decorated pot (karagam) on the head while dancing, in honour of the rain goddess Mariamman.
FolkWhere: Tamil NaduOccasion: Mariamman and Amman temple festivals, especially in the Tamil months of Aadi and Panguni; village fairs
| Performed by | Men and women, often in pairs or small troupes |
|---|---|
| Costume | Bright costumes; the pot is decorated with flowers, leaves and sometimes a tall cone of decorations |
| Music and instruments | Naiyandi melam: nadaswaram, thavil and pambai drums |
How it is performed
- A pot filled with water or raw rice and decorated with flowers is placed on the dancer's head.
- The dancer moves to the drums without touching the pot, turning, bending and squatting.
- Skilled dancers add feats such as threading a needle or lying down while keeping the pot balanced.
- Performances often lead temple processions through the village streets.
Significance
The karagam represents the goddess. The dance is offered to Mariamman to pray for rain and good harvests and to ward off disease.