Kolattam

Kolattam is the name of an alluring and charming dance form practiced by the young ladies and girls of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and other southern states of India. Kolattam is derived from Kol, which means a small stick and Attam, which means play. The dance is done by females who use two sticks to make charming and rhythmic sounds. Ladies dressed in pretty costumes, jewelry and finery dance to the beats of their sticks.

Also known as Kolannalu or Kolkolannalu, the dance form is a combination of songs, rhythmic movements and music. It is performed during various village festivals and is called by different names across the different parts of the sub continent. 'Basava' - the bull, which personifies the might and powers of Lord Shiva, is the focal point of the Kolattam festival, which begins with the new moon in the months of October and November. The rituals connected with the festival and its associated dances end on the next Full Moon Day.

Kolattam group of female dancers consists of 8-40 young girls and women and provides a lot of entertainment to spectators, performers, tourists and revelers alike. This festival is associated with the sowing cycles of farmers. After sowing seeds of red gram, millets and paddy, women of rural regions celebrate their efforts with soothing dances of pinal Kolattam and other forms of Kolattam. These dances celebrate the bounties of Karthiga season in more ways than one.

Origin of Kolattam Dance

This dance has originated from Mahabalipuram and Taripatri regions. It has connections with other art forms of Hampi, Macherla and Ramappa. Kolattam Dancers use their sticks to create harmonious music which accompanies their soothing and swift movements. It has cultural and religious significance and is one of the most popular forms of village art. The dance has its origin in ancient times and it’s also mentioned in the epics and folklore of Kanchipuram as 'Cheivaikiyar Kolattam'.

According to the stories and legends connected with the origination of Kolattam, this dance has relevance to the existence of Basavasura, a demon who was uncontrollable and notorious for his vicious and inhuman acts. As the legend goes, some young girls with small sticks in hand had approached Basavasura and played Kolattam to charming music notes. Asura was supremely pleased and happy with the divine presence, music and grace of these girls and promised to give up all his evil designs. Ever since, the event is celebrated as the festival of Kolatta Jothrai in several rural and urban areas of South India.

Style of Dance

The movements of Kolattam are practiced by groups of 8-40 females before the performance. Dancers are led by a troupe leader to form two different circles by moving in and out in synchronized steps. Team members present in the outer circle deliver strikes by their sticks, while those present in the inner circle receive them in tandem to the rhythms created. The sounds created by the sticks are music to the ears and set the stage alight with their harmonious sounds.

Pinnal Kolattam is one of the best known versions of this ancient dance form. The style of this village art form involves the tying of one end of a rope to a tall pole while the other is held in the hands of the ladies performing the dance. With steps which are well planned and pre defined in nature, these women skip over each others to form delicate lace like designs and patterns in the rope.

One of the biggest attractions of the Pinnal Kolattam are the colorful ropes used during the dance performance. After completing one round of Kolattam, the steps are reversed to unravel the patterns created in the rope. This spectacular dance is performed on an annual basis after Deepavali and lasts for ten days after the appearance of the New Moon. Pinnal Kolattam is also called Pashu Kolattam and is performed in reverence to Kamadhenu—the heavenly cow which depicts plentiful bounties and opulence.

Young girls take an early bath in the holy rivers and carry back a bunch of lush green grass and a small container of water to the venue where the clay idol of Basava is installed for worship and to pay salutations. These girls present the water in containers to Basava and offer their reverences through various forms of worship. After worshipping the bull, they start playing Kolattam with their sticks and stop at various houses on their way to showcase some of their best steps and movements.

The day of the full Moon is scheduled for the culmination of these festivities and the immersion of Basava in the holy rivers or ponds in the region. Girls dressed in new clothes accompany the decorated palanquin of Basava to the point of immersion. At every stage of this festival, the girls sport small sticks in their hands and play Kolattam to the beats of beautiful music.

Music in Kolattam

In particular regions of Andhra Pradesh, Kolattam dances are also connected with paying homage and worshipping the temple Goddesses. Male members of the troupe act as drummers or play the music in the background. They do not come on stage to perform. The musical notes for this dance are provided by the leader of the group who sings the first few lines of the prayer song and the other dancers sing the rest of the lines in sweet chorus. A well aligned balance between the dancers and singers makes the event impressive and a visual treat to the eyes.

Costumes and Jewellery of the Kolattam Dancers

The dancers of the Kolattam Dance are known as Hallisaka. They look gorgeous in their brightly colored costumes and jewelry as they speak out the words of their talas and keep in step with each other. Their skirts flow around the stage and make the ambience all the more beautiful.