Margomkali

Margomkali
is a ritual folk art of the Syrian Christians of Kottayam and Thrissur districts.
A dozen dancers sing and dance around a lighted wick lamp ( Nilavilakku), clad
in the simple traditional white dhoti and sporting a peacock feather on the
turban to add a touch of colour.
This is an allegorical enactment with the lamp representing Christ and the
performers his disciples. The performance is usually held in two parts and
begins with songs and dances narrating the life of St.Thomas, the apostle.
It then takes a striking turn with a martial play of artificial swords and
shields.
The narration is stark without musical accompaniments. The songs date back
to a period much before the Portuguese invasion. Today, Margomkali is only
performed as a stage item by women.
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Kerala Art & Culture ////////////////////////////////////////
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