Apr-Jun (2025)

Kalamezhuthum Pattum -A Sacred Artistry

Deepa M S

Assistant Professor, Department of History, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala.

Lalini M

Assistant Professor, Department of History, Sree Narayana College, Chathannur, Kerala.

Kalamezhuthum Pattum is a traditional ritual art form from Kerala that combines drawing, music, and dance. It reflects the cultural and religious traditions of the region, blending Aryan and Dravidian elements. The main part of the ritual involves drawing colorful images on the ground, known as kalams, using natural powders. These drawings are accompanied by songs and performances that honor deities like Bhadrakali, Ayyappan, and Nagam. There are two types of kalams: geometric (Amoorthakalam) and figure-based (Roopakalam), each created with great care and skill. The rituals serve many purposes, including prayers for children, healing, and protecting the community. Different communities perform these rituals in their own ways, using various musical styles and instruments. The performances also express different emotions such as peace, love, fear, and courage. Passed down through generations, Kalamezhuthum Pattum continues to play an important role in Kerala’s religious and social life, helping to keep its folk traditions alive.

Keywords: Cultural Heritage, Folk Performance, Kalamezhuthu, Kerala Folklore, Ritual Art, Traditional Worship
1. Sathyapal, Kalamezhuthu: Ritual Art Practice of Kerala, Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, Thrissur, 2011, p. 76.
2. Ibid.
3. Radhakrishnan Chembra, Kalamezhuthile Charithra Darshanam, Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, Thrissur, 2011, p. 35.
4. Ibid.
5. M. V. Vishnu Namboothiri, Natoti Vinjaneeyam (Malayalam), D. C. Books, Kottayam, 2016, p. 286.
6. Chummar Choondal, Studies in Folklore of Kerala, College Book House, Thiruvananthapuram, 1978, p. 7.
7. Sathyapal, op. cit., p. 33.
8. M. V. Vishnu Namboothiri, Folklore Chinthakal, Poorna Publications, Kozhikode, 1996, pp. 30–35.
9. Sathyapal, op. cit., p. 543.
10. Chummar Choondal, op. cit., p. 200.
11. Interview with Kallattakurup Manikantan, Kalamezhuthu artist.
12. K. K. Marar, Kerala Thanima, Poorna Publications, Kozhikode, 1999, p. 40.
13. Babu Mundekkad, Kallattakuruppanmarude Kalamezhuthum Pattum (Malayalam), D. C. Books, Kottayam, 2002, p. 59.
14. K. K. Marar, op. cit.
15. Sathyapal, op. cit., pp. 286–287.
16. Chummar Choondal, op. cit.
17. Sathyapal, op. cit., p. 120.


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Published: 15 JUN 2025

Issue: Apr-Jun (2025)

Section: Articles

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