Kaikottikali

Understand

Where Kaikottikali comes from

Kaikottikali is a graceful group dance of women in Kerala, performed on festive and ceremonial occasions in temple courtyards and at community gatherings. The form is closely related to Thiruvathirakali — the same women's clapping circle-dance performed at Thiruvathira in Dhanumas — and the two terms are used interchangeably in some places. The Kaikottikali form is the more decorative variant, performed at temple festivals and at weddings, and has been celebrated as one of Kerala's distinctive women-led performing arts. A Guinness World Record attempt for the largest Kaikottikali gathering was held in Kerala.

How it's practiced

Kaikottikali is performed by a group of women moving in a circle with graceful stepping and rhythmic hand-claps. The lead woman — the heroine — sets the tempo and song, with the ensemble responding in call-and-response. Movements are simple and elegant, drawing on the lasya (graceful feminine) idiom of South Asian dance. Costume is the traditional Kerala sari (white with gold border, or the kasavu set-mundu), with jasmine flowers in the hair. The dance is performed at temple festivals, weddings and at state cultural events, and is open to all women who wish to join.