THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: “Nature is bigger than the Earth”. The line signals the start of the traditional dance by Paliya tribes from Thekkadi. The tribals showcased ‘Vellayankani Paliya dance’ in front of the crowd comprising children from different schools in the city at the Nishagandhi auditorium as part of the World Environment Day celebration.
For Paliya’s, one of the most distinct tribal groups in the state, the environment day does not begin and end on June 5.
The 20-minute dance accompanied by a song in the local dialect describes the prominent position mother nature has in their lives. Connecting Paliya dance with the people is akin to ‘connecting people to nature’, the theme of this year’s World Environment Day.
Five men and equal number of women dressed in traditional costumes moved in rhythm. The performance which started on a slow note picked up pace in no time. “The original dance is slower and the pace picks up gradually when the performers invoke the goddess. They then perform it on a bed of embers. We perform it only during our annual festival,” said the Palichi Kani (tribal chieftain) Aruvi.
Performers wear colourful dresses made of Acacia Instia bark and other naturally made costumes. Mulam chenda (a percussion instrument made of bamboo), nagara, udukku, urumi, jara and jalanka are the musical instruments used for the dance.
The dance was traditionally performed to appease the ancestral god ‘Ezhamathu Palichi’ whose temple is located deep in the forest at the foot hills where seven small rivers merge. The performance is conducted annually after harvest. “We are grateful to the mother nature for protecting us from wild animals, giving us good harvest and health. We invite her to enjoy our offerings,” said Aruvi who works as a forest guard.
According to him, the ritual also acknowledges the contributions of their forefathers who conserved nature for the future generation. Aruvi is the chief priest of the temple and also turns into an occult at times to ‘cure’ tribals of various diseases.
They have different dances for various occasions- to mark the beginning of menstruation, marriage, harvesting etc. Paliya tribes grow pepper, cardamom, coffee, vegetables etc. Wild animal attacks and attraction of salaried jobs has led to decline in paddy and tapioca cultivation.
Besides, the tribals also collect minor forest produce such as honey, medicinal plants and fire wood. According to Aruvi, the respect for mother nature have prompted Paliyas to maintain a value system. “As a chieftain I remind unruly members of the wrath of goddess. It is a good deterrent,” said Aruvi.