Folk music sounds of Malayalam, so close yet so far

Image source:Wikimedia(Achuthan K V)

All languages will have folk songs/sounds that breathe the local or simple characteristics like the lifestyle, language, dialect etc. And most of the times these are sounds may not have a written form or documented version, this is very much true with the ancient folk music of Kerala. These sounds are feelings and emotions from within, it is so closely linked to the culture and way of life. The lyrics and melody announce the communal traditions of the people who sing it, in many cases it is dependent on the region, social background. This tradition reflects in the style of presentation of songs too. Similarly, the same song when sung by different folks or castes has different styles.

Image source:Wikimedia (Achuthan K V)

That is the reason ‘Nadanpattu’ is very close to the heart of a Malayalee. As mentioned, it tells you unrecorded stories of the land and people. It has many forms harvest songs, vanchippattu, (oarsmen’s songs), fishermen’s songs, vadakkanpattu or northern ballads, mappilappattu … and may be many more. The music of folk songs is melodic in character and carry on them the mark and stamp of communal growth and activity. Sometimes these songs accompanies dance and drama. The main feature of these songs are simple language, oral tradition and specific interesting rhythmic patterns. They also use many words, without meaning.

We cannot afford to loose them because these songs are associated with various experiences that come in the life of a person, from cradle to grave!!!

Enjoy ‘Athiru Kaakkum‘ from Kavalam Narayana Panicker sir, from the movie ‘Sarvakalasala’