Reviving the Seethakali Folk Art

Central Idea

• Seethakali folk dance of Kerala has been fading from the public domain, and around three decades ago, it was on the verge of extinction.

Seethakali Folk Art

• Seethakali is a traditional folk dance that originates from the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
• It is performed primarily by Dalit artists from the Veda and Pulaya communities.

Key Features

• Seethakali is a unique form of folk art that combines elements of storytelling dance, drama, and song.
• The central narrative revolves around the epic Ramayana, particularly focusing on the characters of Sita, Ram, and Laxman.
• Artists adorn themselves with eye-catching makeup, traditional ornaments, and elaborate costumes, enhancing the visual appeal of the performance.