Kalam pattu – the unique ritualistic art of Northern Kerala

The kalam pattu ritual holds a great value as an intangible cultural heritage

 Kalam of  Bhadrakali

The sounds of Kalam pattu clearly show inspiration from folk music culture of Kerala

Firstly this art form belongs predominantly to the Northern region of Kerala. Secondly Kalam pattu seem to be 600 to 700 years old as per historians. A group of people (5 to 15) usually performs this ritual in Ayyappa and Bhadrakali temples. However this performance is around Kolam or Kalam or Kalamezhuthu. A colorful detailing and elaboration usually of Bhadrakali. And you draw this on the floor using five colors. Moreover drawing of  Kolam is using natural color (white, black, yellow, green and red) powder.

While you draw the kalam, there are performances that involve the use of different musical instruments. These include the thayambaka (a performance using chenda) and ilathalam (a cymbal-like instrument) in which one person leads the concert and others support him. Moreover keli (a fusion performance using chenda, madhalam (percussion instrument), and ilathalam, and kuzhal pattu/kombupatt (a concert of kuzhal, a wind instrument). Kalam pattu is usually as an offering to the deity. Above all the art form even though is a temple art, the sound and music of Kalam pattu hugely inspired from folk music sound culture of Kerala.

This art form provides hints and clues about the culture and social setups of ancient times

Songs play a major role in this art form. All primitive folk songs originated from the rhythm of nature. Hence has a key function in other ritual arts like Theyyam, Mudiyett etc.. The rendition, linked with kalamezhuthu pattu, is also known as thottam paatt. Moreover it is transmitted through generations and has no written records. Thottam provide hints and clues about the culture and social setups of ancient times.

Once you complete the kalam drawing, paddy, coconut etc. are placed in the kalam. And then starts the rendering of songs. For instance, while rendering the songs, the performer circumambulates or erases the kalam. In addition with the tune of background music of  instruments, the singer dances vigorously in a trance of music and will erase the kalam. Decorations like a canopy of palm fronds, garlands of red hibiscus flowers and thulasi or Ocimum leaves are part of the decoration above the kalam.

In conclusion the kalam pattu ritual holds a great value as an intangible cultural heritage.

Below is a reference on Muthappan Kalam patttu

Mayesh Babu