PULIVESHAM
 This
is a dace form involving mimetic enacting purely celebratory in nature devoid of any
rituals. This is equally participated by both the Hindus and Muslims with high levels of
enthusiasm. Pre-historic man’s rejoicing at the death of a ferocious animal at his
hands is known to be the origin of Pulivesham. Two participants perform the dance, one
depicting the archer and the other the tiger. The later is painted in yellow with black
stripes and spots with a tiger mask to resemble the tiger. The theme includes a long duel
between them after which the tiger is shown wounded. The tiger prowls and pounces upon the
archer in vengeance, but soon dies. Thus the archer is shown triumphant.
The theme is all shown in a sequence of
steps as –
- Udam – the jumping around
- The circular movements
- Dakam – steps involving jumping backwards in
rhythm
- Entry of the archer
The dance enthralls children and adults
alike who watch the show with fun and excitement. |
