Artists Breathe New Life into Seethakali: Reviving a Fading Folk Art

Subject: History

Section: Art and culture

Key Features of Seethakali

Folk Dance Drama: Seethakali is a traditional folk dance drama that was once performed during the festival days in erstwhile Desinganad (Kollam, Kerala), primarily during the Onam festivities.
Dalit Artists: The performance was carried out by Dalit artists belonging to the Veda and Pulaya communities, focusing on presenting episodes from the Ramayana from Sita’s perspective.
Vanayatra to Andardhanam: Seethakali portrays the journey from “vanayatra” (exile to the forest) to “andardhanam” (descend into the earth) of Sita, featuring a blend of songs, storytelling, and fast movements.
Instruments: The dance drama is accompanied by instruments such as ganjira, manikatta, chiratta, and kaimani.
Narrative through Songs: Seethakali’s story is conveyed through songs, with 28 collected over three years, featuring a folk style influenced by Vallappaattu, Kuthirappaattu, and Rakshasappattu.
Oral Tradition: Seethakali songs were orally transmitted from one generation to the next, which led to a pause in the tradition.
Basic Movements: The dance involves basic steps, striving to preserve the original essence of the art form.
Character Ensemble: The performance includes key characters such as Sita, Ram, Lakshman, Ravan, and Hanuman.

Revival Efforts by Perinad Seethakali Sangham

Fading Tradition: Seethakali had gradually faded from public performance, with little to no activity around it for several decades.
- The Veda communities’ displacement due to the Land Reform Act in the ’70s led to the decline of the art form.
Revival Group: The Perinad Seethakali Sangham, formed in 2017, played a crucial role in reviving Seethakali.
Diverse Artists: The group consists of artists from various backgrounds, breaking caste and communal barriers.
Revival Effort: The group of enthusiasts, led by N. Shajimon, came together to revive Seethakali, saving it from extinction.
- Documentary: Shajimon created a documentary titled Seethakali – Desinganadinte Dalit Ramayanam, tracing the evolution, popularity, and relevance of the art form.