Mangalam Kali

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Mangalamkali is a dance ritual related to marriage functions as a form of entertainment. Usually Pulayas (a tribe in Kerala state of south India) perform this. Certain music instruments too are used like Para and Kannupara. The dance is very fast.As it was related to Mangalam or marriage, it got the name Mangalam kali. This art form is prevalent among the Mavila-Vettuva tribes.

The dance is performed before the Senior members of the community. A group of about thirty people forum a circle and dance and sing to the music. Thudi is used for music. Jack wood is used for making Thudi. The rhythm variation in Thudi while switching from one song to another is very catchy. Even though Mangalam kali is associated with marriage, the theme of the song is not directly related to marriage. Old rituals and habits, Cooli, Hunting are all themes of the music. The Mangalam kali which starts at night goes on till the wee hours of the morning.