The tunes of Pulluvan Pattu…

Pulluvan casting out devils

The name because the art is from the Pulluvan community in Kerala. This art form is ritualistic and holds a sense of mysticism to it. This mystical art-form once was prevalent in many parts of Kerala. The song relies on a thriputa or a three-beat cycle. For pulluavan pattu, the veena uses shruti (pitch) and tala (rhythm) accompaniment. It is held like the violin and sometimes tucked to the ankle of the right foot. Pulluvan Pattu rendition include different accompanying musical instruments. The one string violin which is the pulluvan veena. And the pulluvan kudam (pot), an earthen pot with a string which you fasten to the violin. Additionally the musical instruments for performance include mizhavu (copper drum)and cymbals. Out of these, the veena plays a major part during the song rendition.

The songs rendering is as an appeasement to the serpent gods. Some musical phrases introduces the pulluvan veena before a song begins and during interludes. Wonder if we can do something to preserve such rare songs and instruments. Now, a dying art form, with the new generation showing little or no interest. Pulluvan pattu needs revival and we shall revere so that it reaches our future generations.

Pulluva Kudam