Thitambu Nritham
Thitambu Nritham is the ritual art form in North Kerala more than 700
years old . It is mainly performed by Namboothiris of this part of Kerala.
Late Vethiramana Sreedharan Namboodiri is known to be the "Father of
Thitambu Nritham". Luckily this ritual art form has not died out with
his withdrawal from the stage. Experts in this field like sri Matamana
Sankaran Embranthiri and his disciple Brahmasree Puthumana Govindan
Namboothiri (Click here
to know more about him) are carrying on the great tradition
in the north.
There is no scope for expression in this art. The dancer, in the traditional
style after performing the usual rituals, comes out of the sanctorum,
and standing under the flag, holds aloft the replica weighing about
10 kg-30 kg on his head and starts the divine dance. One namboodiri
to bear the Thitambu, seven players on percussion instruments, two persons
to carry lamps, in all ten persons are needed to present this. The dance
begins with Kotti Urayikkal (drumming to make the dancer possessed).
As the dancer comes out carrying the replica of the idol on his head,
the "Maaraar" makes the characteristic drumming when rituals are performed.
The word "Thitambu" suggests the direct manifestation of the deity.
This is placed over a decorated turban known as Ushnipeetam. Idols being
carried on top of elephants during festivals as also replicas beings
held on shoulders while dancing to the rhythm of percussion instruments
are a common sight in South and Central Kerala. But, dancing with the
replicas on the heads, is a unique feature in the North. The origin
of Thitambu Nritham cannot be easily traced. Replicas called ‘chattam’
are made of bamboo or wood with in which a beautiful frame with intricate
designs is created.. Foot work is most important in this dance and this
is executed to the rhythm of the drums. Each circumlocution is regulated
by a different Thaalam (Thakilati, Atantha, Chempata and Panchari).
Thitambu Nritham has undergone some changes in accordance with the trend
of the times. Though the basic ones (Thaalavattom) remains the same.
There are some changes made in drumming (thaalam). Innovation also adds
to the novelty and variety of Thitambu Nritham.
