
It is performed along with folk music to worship Goddess Amman.ġ2. This folk dance needs a lot of skills and practise. The horse’s body is made of light-weighted material so that it is easy to handle and colourful clothes are hung on the sides to cover the legs. Poikkal Kuthirai Aattam or Artificial Horse Dance SourceIt is a dance form in which dancers wear a dummy horse which is hollow in between so that a person can fit in it.

This dance form arises to save and protect snakes and accepting it as a divine creature. They raise their hands on their head and perform similar movements as that done by snakes such as slithering, creeping and hissing. Paampu Attam or Snake DanceThis dance form is done by young girls wearing tight-fitted costumes resembling a snake. An instrument named Urumi is played during the activity which is believed to have sacred and supernatural powers. Ottan KoothuThis dance form is presented by tribal people to depict ancient stories during festivals. It is performed in the Hindu temples and offered to Lord Murugan. A blue coloured dress is worn by them along with peacock feathers and a beak. Mayil Aattam or Peacock Dance SourceMayil Aattam or Peacock dance is usually performed by women. This art of gymnastics was mastered by the Aryans.Ĩ. They put gaudy makeup on their face and showcase their art. People performing this travel from place to place and earn their living. Kazhai KothuThis is similar to a modern-day circus, which includes gymnastics steps. This is performed in a group during festivals and weddings. He was so pleased with the music and girls that he decided to give up all his evil.

Once, a group of girls decided to play Kolattam with this demon. It is believed that there was a demon named Basavasura who was uncontrolled because of his evil powers. This dance is a combination of songs, music and rhythmic movements. During the dance, these Kols are struck together and rhythmic movements are done. Kolattam or Kazhi Aattam SourceKolattam is derived from “Kol” which means stick. This dance is now performed during festivals and social occasions. Presently, this dance form does not have any lyrical music or song, it is only danced on the beats of Urumi Melam, Thappu Melam and Flute. The person leading the line wears a counterfeit beard and mask. The dancers hold a handkerchief in their hand and swing it and also copy the steps done by the leading person. Devaraattam SourceThis form of dance was presented to the Tamil kings and their army after their victorious return from the battle. This dance form is performed in worship of Lord Murugan. Some Kavadi are very elaborate and heavy. Some men may even pierce their cheeks and tongue with vel skewers. There are various types of Kavadi, the most common being a pot of milk. This dance involves carrying Kavadi (burdens) through the pilgrimage. Kavadi Aattam SourceIt is a dance form performed by men. This dance is performed to worship Goddess Amman.Ĥ. Karagattam SourceIt is a traditional dance of Tamil Nadu which involves balancing pots made of metal or a lump of clay on the dancer’s head. This is mainly performed around a lamp during Ram Navami and Gokulashtami. Bamber DanceThis is a dance form of Tamil Nadu which is performed inside a temple to worship Lord Krishna. Along with this, jewellery is also worn by them which makes their look exquisite. A beautiful sari is worn by them which has a sparkling golden border. As this dance mainly involves female dancers, their attire resembles Tamil bridal dress. This form focuses on hand gestures, footwork and facial expressions. This culturally rooted dance form originated from the Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu and was firstly performed in the Hindu temples to worship Lord Shiva. The word comprises Bhava, Raag, Tala, Natya, which when put together makes Bharatanatyam. It is considered to be India’s oldest dance form and also the mother of all other styles of classical dance.

Bharatnatyam SourceBharatnatyam is the Tamil Nadu’s folk dance which is mainly performed by women. Poikkal Kuthirai Aattam or Artificial Horse Dance 12. List of some of the popular Folk Dances in Tamil Nadu- 1. In this article, we’ll look out some of the popular dances which people have kept alive even today. Many types of solo, as well as group dances, are performed here.

The state is also known for its food, temples, architecture, Carnatic music and dance forms. Tamil Nadu is famous for its rich art of entertainment.
