Chakiarkuthu

Chakiarkuthu

The term koothu means dance and Chakiarkuthu is a performing art which was traditionally carried out by Chakiar community. Originally, it was performed inside a Hindu temple. The performer started of with a prayer of the deity and continued on with a recital of verse. This was followed by a translation of verse in Malayalam for the convenience of spectators. The content included various current social and political issues and also took the liberty of ridiculing prominent personalities (even if they were present at the performance). The instrument utilized in the performance were mizhav and a pair of cymbals.

Today, every other aspect of the performance remains the same apart from the fact that it has now come outside the temple premises and is performed amongst wider audience.