Kummi
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
A simple women's folk dance of rhythmic clapping in a circle, with songs and no instruments.
FolkWhere: Tamil NaduOccasion: Pongal, temple festivals, harvest time and family celebrations
| Performed by | Women and girls in groups |
|---|---|
| Costume | Everyday or festive sarees and half-sarees |
| Music and instruments | No instruments: the dancers sing kummi songs and keep time by clapping |
How it is performed
- The women stand in a circle.
- One woman leads the song and the others repeat the lines.
- They move around the circle, bending and turning and clapping their hands together in rhythm.
- Variations include kolattam, in which pairs of short sticks are struck instead of clapping.
Significance
Kummi songs tell of harvests, the gods and village life, and the dance brings women of the community together at festivals.