Efforts to bring Sangha Kali back

TRIPUNITHURA: Serious efforts are being made to rediscover the infinite possibilities of Sangha Kali, an ancient medley of the traditional art forms of Kerala. It was popular in Kerala in the early half of the last century. Earlier, Sangha Kali was performed by the male members of the Namboothiri families, especially during the night-long family get-togethers on the occasion of Ayiniyoonu (pre-marriage feast) and other family celebrations. They used to call it Yaathra Kali.The Thrissur-based Kishivari Chathan Sangham will present the Sangha Kali at the TDM Hall here on December 23, under the auspices of the BEAME in association with the Ernakulam Karayogam. The staging will begin at 6.15 pm. It will begin with ‘Keli.’ ‘Maddalam,’ ‘Chenda’ and ‘Elathaalam’ will be used for the Keli. Keli will be followed by ‘Kottichakam Pookal,’ the receiving of the participants of art form.There are several interesting elements like ‘Paatram Kottivakkal’ (making rhythmic tones on huge copper vessel), ‘Naalu Paadam’ (rendering Shiva Sthuthi by four participants), ‘Vanchipaattu’ (rendering boating songs), entry of comic character ‘Ittikandappan,’ ridiculing the ancient superstitions like ‘Bali Uzhichil,’ presenting martial art forms through ‘Ayudhameduppu,’ entry of another comic character ‘Marathangodan,’ ‘Othikkon’ (ritualistic head of the namboothiris), drunkard, fool and others in the Sangha Kali.