3,000 women perform Thiruvathirakali in Kochi

Kochi: Said to be the biggest single performance of the traditional dance form of 'Thiruvathirakali', at least 3,000 women, young and old, performed the dance at the Durbar hall grounds here this evening.

Women dressed in the traditional Kerala gold bordered 'settu mundu' and red blouse left onlookers spellbound as they rhythmically performed the dance titled 'Aathira Kulirnila'.

Participants included a three year-old and a 76-year-old woman. There were students from Mumbai and Dubai, the organisers said. Malathy Menon, who is in her seventies and has taught the traditional dance to Keralites since the past many years, organised the performance.

Speaking to reporters, she said her aim of organising such a massive performance was to keep the tradition alive. She also danced with her students and said she would love to organise a similar performance for men.

In the earlier days, 'Thiruvathirakali' was a dance performed by women to attain everlasting marital bliss. The dance is normally performed on Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January) and is said to be a celebration of marital fidelity and the female energy.

The dance follows a circular pirouetting pattern accompanied by clapping of the hands and singing. The event has been supported by the Ernakulam District Tourism Promotion council and district collector Sheikh Pareeth.