Thiruvathirakkali: A Dance Form Celebrating Kerala’s Female Traditions

A perfect blend of grace, rhythm, and devotion, Thiruvathirakkali brings alive the cultural and spiritual essence of Kerala.

Today marks the festival of Thiruvathira, celebrated with the entrancing folk dance form of Thiruvathirakkali. Also known as Kaikottikali, this traditional group dance performed by women is deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Thiruvathirakkali is closely associated with the Malayalam month of Dhanu and the Thiruvathira star, which, according to legend, is linked to Lord Shiva’s marriage to Parvati. Another popular myth narrates the story of Rati Devi, the wife of Kamadeva, who fasted and prayed for her husband’s revival after Shiva reduced him to ashes. These tales are immortalised in the songs sung during Thiruvathirakkali performances, which add a lyrical dimension to the dance.

The dance form

Performed in a circular formation, Thiruvathirakkali is a harmonious combination of rhythmic movements and traditional songs. Women dressed in the elegant Kerala attire of ‘Mundu Neriyathu’ adorn their hair with jasmine flowers and the sacred ‘Dasapushpam’. The dance begins with invocations to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Saraswati, followed by songs in praise of Shiva and Vishnu, as well as folk tales and Kathakali padams.

Valsala P C, a seasoned Thiruvathirakkali dancer explains, “Traditionally, performances last through the night, with changes in rhythm and fast-paced numbers to keep the dancers awake.” The lasya or graceful, slow-paced movements are a hallmark of this art form, which avoids classical dance mudras. Instead, rhythmic clapping and foot stamping provide the musical accompaniment, making the dance both a visual and auditory experience. “Now a days instruments like idakka are being used,” she says.

Thiruvathirakkali songs often feature popular ragas like Anandabhairavi, Thodi, and Kedaragowla. The padams of Swathi Thirunal and Irayimman Thampi  etc are also used Valsala highlights the importance of rhythm in the art form. Today, modern composers like K L M Suvardhan are also contributing new songs, ensuring the tradition evolves while retaining its essence. “Music is as vital as the dance steps. Only with the perfect blend of both can the performance truly shine,” Valsala says.

The tradition also includes humorous interludes and playful acts such as Kummiyadi, Vanchipaattu, Kurathi, and Thumbi Thullal. These elements add vibrancy to the performance, making it engaging for both the dancers and the audience.

Nirmala Paniker, Mohiniyattam researcher and guru notes that the stylised footwork and gait of Mohiniyattam can be traced back to Thiruvathirakkali, underscoring its influence on classical dance forms.

Thiruvathira rituals  

Thiruvathira is not just about dance but also involves a range of rituals. On this day, rice-based dishes are avoided, and special foods like ‘Ettangadi’ (a mix of tubers, lentils, and jaggery) and arrowroot payasam are prepared. At night, women gather to pluck flowers in a ritual called ‘Poochoodal’, accompanied by traditional lamp lighting and singing. The flowers are later offered to the deity and worn by the women. The celebrations culminate with a ritual bath (‘Tudichukuli’) at dawn, marking the end of their fast. “Songs are an important part of all trivathira rituals, be it in the dance, poochoodal or tudichukulikkal, says Valsala.

 In certain parts of Kerala, the Tiruvathira festival is celebrated over eleven days, beginning on the day of the Tiruvonam star in the month of Dhanu and culminating on the Tiruvathira star day. During this period, Tiruvathirakali is performed daily. 

 While Thiruvathirakkali remains a cherished tradition, its context has shifted over time. The decline of joint families and agrarian lifestyles has limited its practice to competitions in school and college festivals. According to Valsala, “Thiruvathirakkali lacks a formal manual, unlike other art forms. Efforts are underway to standardise its structure, with veterans  including Animangalam Savitri and Ambujakshi teacher submitting a manual to the government. We hope the government will approve them soon. ”