Invoking the energy of the thresholds from Kerala in India

in storytelling •  7 years ago 

Kalam.jpg

Kalam1.jpg

Kalamezhuthu is a ritual art form found in Kerala.

It is also called 'Dhulishilpam' - Dhul refers to dust or powder; Shilpa refers to sculpting. In essence sculpting with dust. Normally finely ground powder from different natural sources that includes rice flour, turmeric powder, charcoal are used to create this art.

A form of temple art also done in sacred groves, Kalamezhuthu is done to worship goddesses ( Devi), serpents (Naga) and Lord Ayyappa (Sastha). Usually the ritual art is performed at the thresholds. The ritual ends with the erasing of the Kalam called Kalamazhkkal ( rubbing of the Kalam) and Nalikerameru ( breaking of coconut). Some of these kalams may take anywhere between 5 to 10 hours to create and is eventually erased in a matter of a few minutes as part of this ritual.

Just one of the many unbelievable experiences that Kerala offers - something I went through for over 10 hours last spring.

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Wow, must be a really unique experience to participate in that ritual :)

Kalam2.jpg

One more picture from this art form in a different colored powder

It eventually ended with the key person (conducting the ritual) breaking a couple of thousand coconuts by flinging them on a large stone in front of him which then is offered as offerings to the devotees who gather for the ritual. It is absolutely special.

Marvelous artworks

Since it is a ritual and not an art, it is amazing to see how the person after assiduously making it over a period of 5-8 hours, just erases it in under a couple of minutes with his leg / palm fronds even as he is dancing.

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