PATAYANI

Patayani, a spectacular ritualistic folk dance endeared to goddess Badrakaali, is highly popular in Pathanamthitta and Alapuzha districts. No festival in Devi temples in these districts can be seen without Patayani. Patayani has become a people’s event in this region. The indispensability of Patayani in Devi temple festivals in this region has influenced many Kalaris (outlets where marshal art – Kalaripayattu – is taught) to shoulder the responsibility of performing Patayani in many Devi (Bhagavathi) temples. Kadammanitta, Kadalimangalam, Kallassery, Kurumbala, Kottangal, Kottukavu, Ezhumattur, Othara and Pullada Kalaris are prominent among them.

Patayani is also performed in routine days as a special offering to the Devi in return to the Devi showering graces to an individual, a village or a region. If an epidemic breaks out in a village, villagers believe that it is due to the unpleasant treatment to the Devi by the village, and a Patayani is offered to ease and soothe the hurt feeling of the Devi.

Patayani performance lasts one day to 28 days.

Legends

In Devi temples most of the ritual dances revolve round the killing of Darika, a demon, by Badrakaali (Devi). Patayani revolves round the mental state of Badrakaali after killing Darika. The boiling fury of Devi did not ease even after the annihilation of Darika and her anger was still in blaze. The mighty gods did notice it but stood with no solution. At this juncture, Subramanya, son of Siva, suggested a solution to his father. The suggestion was to make ritual dances by many wearing different articulated masks and costume, later came to be known as Kolams, in front of Badrakaali. One of the Kolams was to be of Badrakaali. The suggestion gained credence and it got adopted. Badrakaali noticed her in Kolam format and amused. This helped melt away her anger and she calmed down. Patayani became an appeasing ritual from this event onward.

Kolams

Patayani displays different characters in different Kolams. The Kolam of Bhairavi (Badrakaali) gained more importance. Marutha (mother goddess), Kaalan (life snatcher), Yakshi (female demon), Pakshi (bird) and Kuthira (horse) are some other characters.

In Patayani a Kolam has a big headgear with multiple projections and devices. A mark is designed for the face. The mark is created in different images of gods and goddesses with different colors. This is made on a sheet made of areca-nut tree pods after properly splitting and leveling. Finally the headgear is appended with tender coconut palm leaves cut to size.

From up portion of chest to down portion of abdomen a decorative plate is hanged as cover.

The colors used for Kolam are locally made. Red is created by grinding stones. Black color is produced by grinding burnt coconut shells. For yellow turmeric powder is used. White is rice power. Brush too is local made. It is made of stems of coconut palm leaves.

The number of pods used for Kolams determines their size or classification. The number of pods used is 21, 51, 101, 501 and 1001. Maximum pods (1001) go into the making of Bhairavi’s Kolam which is gigantic in size. Most of the Kolams have one face, but there are Kolams with more than one face.

Rituals

The rituals of Patayani are many. Chuvaduvaipu, Tappumelam, Tavati, Pulavruttam, Paradesi, Kuthira, Atavi, Naagaattu, Thullal, Poompata, Appindi and Vilakku are of them. In earlier period, 28 days were required to complete the rituals. With the passage of time, the rituals skipped to even one day.

For Atavi ritual the performer required to have observed 41 days penance. Some ardent devotees, during Patayani, cut cane with their fingers and wrap it over the body and dance gingerly. They even roll on the ground which may create wounds on the body and wounds heal on its own.

As a signal to the onset of Patayani festival a flag is hoisted on a tall areca-nut tree in front of the temple seven days in advance of the final event. On first day, the day of flag hoisting, Chootuvaipu ritual is performed. This is a simple ritual of lighting a temple lamp with a country torch made of dried coconut palm leaves. Second day ritual consists of Thappu and Kaipatti (drum beating and palms clambing). Fourth day ritual consists of Kolams of Ganapathi, Pisaachu and Marutha. Fifth day ritual is of Panchakolam (five Kolams) of Yakshi, Pakshi, Pisaachu, Marutha and Maathan. Six-day ritual is of Vazhipadu Kolams (Kolams as offering from devotees). Sixth day witnesses Itappatayani. Seventh day, the final day, ritual is called Vishupatayani.

Performance

Patayani means marching of warriors. Patayani is symbolic to the victory march of Kaali over Darika and Kaalis boiling fury even after killing Darika. In ancient times Patayani was performed by Nair community which has a warrior mental make-up. Nair community was also well-versed with Kalaripayattu, a martial art. In the present time there is no community focus.

The artists clad in Kolams of divergent mythological characters pay obeisance before the deity after coming in procession. They slowly turn to hilarious dancing and then hype to vigorous and frenzied dancing and run around the temple in frenzied state. Humorous dialogues and ballads make interruption at certain spots to added amusement of the onlookers. The singers sing different songs Kolam-wise or say character-wise. The singing and dancing are sweetened and gladdened with simple music emanated from drum beats and cymbal clasps.

Participants

Whole village whole-heartedly takes part in the preparation and enactments without community barriers. Different communities have been assigned different responsibilities. Preparation of masks is for Ganaka community. Dappu’s and cymbal’s responsibility is for Paraya community. Thandaan community takes charge of collecting areca-nut tree, tender palm leaves and the like. Drawing of figures on masks is done by Kaniyar community in addition to making and singing of songs. Collection of wood and preparation of frames go to carpenters. Additionally, carpenters enact as Kolams.

The people shouldering responsibility consider it a divine gift from Devi.