#KeralaArts - Velakali - PhotoWalk - A Martial Art form - A Rhythm-based Temple Dance - TravellerG

[TravellerG]

Photo #1; Caption: Velakali Artists posing for a shot for me

In Kerala (India), there are many performing art forms which depict its cultural heritage. Many of them are not very popular or popular only in some areas; one of them is ‘Velakali’ which is a traditional ‘Martial Art’ form which is a fight sequence. The Velakali is performed during temple festivals and is majorly presented by the Nair community.

Do you have any such Ancient/Rural Art forms? Can you share a shot of an art form you like?

Photo #2; Caption: A portrait of a young artist holding a sword and shield.

The artists wear brightly coloured, exclusive costumes and will have a sword and shield in their hands. Though most of Kerala’s performing arts are accompanied by recital (vocal music) along with accompaniments, the Velakali is accompanied by drums, cymbals, and horns.

Photo #3; Caption: The Artist in full costume.

The history of this art is not very clear; but, today’s form of this art can be briefed as follows:

The Ambalapuzha was a ‘local country’ (much before the name Kerala). To boost the martial spirit among the young men, the ruler ordered his army chieftains Mathoor Panicker and Velloor Kurup to create a dance form of Martial Art. The Mathoor Panicker was a skilled warrior and an accomplished dancer - Velekali was born out of this and became very popular (in the 18th century).

Photo #4; Caption: A group of artists ready for the evening performance; captured with the temple structures in the bacckground.

Velakali was a dying art form but fortunately, recently most such ancient art forms are finding a lot of popularity. There are many other art forms, which we can discuss later.

Here is a 45-second VIDEO which gives you an overall idea of the Art & Temple Atmosphere; the art is performed in the presence of two elephants, too. (Unfortunately, this video was not captured on my mobile due to low power)

Note:
These photos & video were captured on 19th Feb 2024 in Sree Vallabha Swamy Temple, Thiruvalla, Kerala during the annual festival of this temple.

@Praniketmore @ShubhamWaman @Shubhu1 @Nachiket_methre @prashant_kyada @Raj_Tayade @RaviSharma111 @ShifaAymal @Ru_pali4 @bhayani_naitik

[TusharSuradkar]

Dance, martial arts, and music are a unique combination I haven’t seen elsewhere.

Your photos highlight this amazing tradition in a spectacular fashion @TravellerG

Velakali is truly entertaining. Watching the video now…

[UPDATE after watching the video]

The decorations on the elephants are majestic and done with so much passion and care.

The creates must be feeling special too.

The atmosphere seems highly charged and energetic in the video.

Any reason why this is held after sunset?

[TravellerG]

Firstly, I thank you very, very much for your quick and valuable response, my dear @TusharSuradkar ,

I’m very happy that you enjoyed the post!

I shall add some more posts about such art forms, which are very rare; also the decorations & costumes of elephants which are very interesting!

“Any reason why this is held after sunset?”

The Velakali is performed during the day time also; however, for the lighting effect, it is presented in the night when the “Temple Deity” is present over the elephant, which is also a part of the ritual.

Hope, I have explained it in full.

[Annaelisa]

Lieber Freund @TravellerG

Du hast fantastische Bilder dieser Tänzer zugefügt und das ganze sehr gut erklärt.

Auch das Video gefällt mir gut.

[Rohan10]

Wonderful post with wonderful photos @TravellerG sir. It is nice to gain new things from your post. Photos are best as always. Thanks for sharing.

[rosanabtl]

Ulala!!! Que fotos magnificas @TravellerG ! O colorido das roupas, a música e as luzinhas do templo traz uma alegria contagiante.

Minhas saudações de muita luz e algria na sua vida. Ótima semana!

[Praniketmore]

This is a superb post @TravellerG sir , well described, and the images are amazing. The lads from the Nair community are dressed fabulously, and the colors are bold and attractive. Thanks for sharing such unique and tradition.

[NareshDarji]

It sounds like Velakali is a really interesting art form.

The costumes and music must make it a very exciting performance to watch! @TravellerG

Thank you so much for sharing this cultural heritage with us.

[Ru_pali4]

Costume makeup every thing is just perfect.

The music played by drums and other instruments is so soothing.

Looks like elephant are also enjoying it.

Thanks @TravellerG for showing this old tradition which is still kept alive.

Wonder how much practice they did for it.

[TravellerG]

Yes, you are right, elephants also enjoy a lot… And the overall environment with the temple lights, drums, etc makes a hypnotic effect!

You need to be physically present to be enjoying in actually visit of the moment.

Thank you very much for your detail to comment, dear friend @Ru_pali4

Hope to see contributions from you also…

[TravellerG]

Very happy that you like the Velakali… One minute to be physically present to enjoy the actual spirit to the environment!

Thanks for your kind compliments and available response, dear @NareshDarji Ji…

[TravellerG]

If you would have seen the 40 seconds video then you would have experienced the elephants enjoying the festival…

Thanks for your compliments and response, dear @Praniketmore .

If you enjoyed the post then give me also as your friends…

Regards with thanks

[TravellerG]

Very happy to know that you enjoyed the post, dear LG friend @rosanabtl ,

One needs to be physically present to experience the hypnotic effect of the environment…

Thank you very much for your complimentary and response…

Most sincerely

[RaviSharma111]

Firstly i thank you @TravellerG sir for tagging me in this post I am Lucky , too so mentor like you is tagging me in their post , I am speechless after watching this post how people of kerala preserving their art and culture, they celebrate with all regard and with their heart , in this busy life schedule everyone is going away from their traditional value but they are taking interest and celebrating with enthusiasm , i like the picture you have clicked on this occasion , but i like most is Elephant is holding Deti on back that was unreal and extraordinary , it show the important of wildlife in our custom and culture and if u notice sound of bell coming from video background , that is very relaxing and spiritual , if u have any photo of elephant with holding deti on back ple share with us .

and off- course thanks for sharing with us with great regard .

your Obedient

Ravi sharma .

[Maximilianozalazar]

@TravellerG realmente sorprendente las fotografías como las historias! Se disfruto de la lectura. Saludos

[TravellerG]

Very happy to hear that you enjoyed the Photos and the narration of the post, friend @Annaelisa …

Your feedback is very important to me and thank you very much.

Regards

[TravellerG]

These photos were captured on my IQ mobile; thank you for your valuable feedback, dear @Rohan10 .

Happy that you like the photos!

Regards

[TravellerG]

Hello dear fellow LG, @RaviSharma111 ,

Thank you very much for your detailed response and enthusiasm shown about our culture and heritage… Appreciated it very much!

One has to see this ritual at Temple - then only the divine feeling can be enjoyed thoroughly…

And regarding the elephant and deity…

I shall be shortly publishing total post on the same…

Presently I am travelling and once I am back to Bangalore, I will send you some photos personally to you.

Most sincerely

[TravellerG]

Hello very dear friend, @Maximilianozalazar …

Thank you so much for your kind compliments which are very touching for me. Thanks also for informing me that you liked the post.

Regards…

[ShubhamWaman]

Excellent post with details @TravellerG sir

Photos are very nice & sharp.

I have seen very unique temple style in South.

Simply look beautiful .

All artists looks very beautiful in their costumes.

Martial arts is very Powerful and popular & I also love to watch.

I will add it in my itinerary for Kerala trip.