Performing arts
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Mahari
Mahari Dance originated in the temples of Odisha. History provides ample evidence of the 'Devadasi' cult in Odisha. The dance form that was being practiced by these Devdasis in the ancient times was called Mahari. The word "Mahari" in fact is formed by combining two words Maha and Nari that literally means great women. These Devadasis were considered sacred and were to perform only for the Lord Jagganath.
Margamkali
Margamkali is a folk art performed by the Syrian Christian community of Kerala (especially the Knanaya sect), particularly in Kottayam and Thrissur districts. The word margam means path or religion. The theme of the margamkali performance is the activities and travels of Mar Thoma (St Thomas) in the Malabar region and his martyrdom.
Mizo Bamboo Dance
The bamboo dance performed in Mizoram is called so as bamboo is used in this dance both for making music as well as for the steps of the dance. The dancer moves by stepping alternatively in and out from between and across a pair of horizontal bamboos, held against the ground by people sitting face to face on either sides. While two persons sit on either end holding the bamboo and tapping it open and close in rhythmic beats, a row of dancers move between and out of the bamboo. The bamboos placed horizontally, are supported by two bases, one at each end. When clapped, they produce a sharp sound which forms the rhythm of the dance and also indicates the timing of the dance. The dancer steps in and out to the beats of the bamboos. The patterns and steppings of the dance have many variations. Sometimes the steps are made in imitation of the movements of birds and sometimes the swaying of trees.
Source: www.mizotourism.nic.in
Contributed by: Prarthana, CEE Ahmedabad
Mudiyettu
Mudiyettu is a 'ritual theatre' and dance drama performed in the four districts of Kerala, which earlier belonged to the princely state of Travancore and Cochin. It is associated with the Marar and Kuruppu communities of the area. Mudiyettu is a ritual theatre form of Kerala based on the mythological tale of the battle between Goddess Kali and Darika, an evil king. It is a community ritual in which the entire village participates. The ritual-theatre dance event that also involves drawings on the temple floor as well as chants and music.
Source IGNCA Inventory of ICH, Janapada Sampada Division, IGNCA
Contributed by Aditya, CEE Ahmedabad