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Mohiniattam is also known as the Dance of the Celestial Enchantress. A classical dance form of Kerala, Mohiniattam is performed by women only and is known for its graceful, almost seductive movements and simple but elegant costume. You can enjoy seeing a Mohiniattam performance on tours of Kerala with Kerala Backwater.
According to Hindu mythology when the Gods and demons churned the celestial ocean to produce a pot of ambrosia, the demons plotted to steal it, while the Gods wanted the ambrosia for themselves. Vishnu, one of the Gods in the Indian trinity appears the form of a celestial enchantress and mesmerizes the demons thus ensuring that the Gods were the only recipients of the ambrosia, which gave them immortality.
It is this myth of Mohini - the enchantress - that forms the core of Mohiniattam. Historically Mohiniattam was performed by temple dancers or devadasis in Kerala. In the 19th century, Swati Tirunal, the enlightened ruler of Travancore in Southern Kerala promoted its study. Swati Tirunal composed many of the musical arrangements and vocal accompaniments, which are hymns in praise of Vishnu, and provide the musical backdrop for the Mohiniattam dancers performance. The Malayalam poet Vallathol, an important literary figure in Kerala, who established the Kerala Kalamandalam dance school in 1930, was instrumental in reviving the Mohiniattam dance form. Previously performed solo, Mohinattam is now also performed by groups of female dancers.
The Mohiniattam dancer wears a cream or off-white colored sari with a border of gold brocade. The dancer's hair is gathered in a bun that is worn at the side of the head and decorated with jasmine flowers. Gold jewellery including necklaces, bangles, waistbands and anklets adorn the body of the dancer and their tinkling makes music as she dances.
Instruments such as the violin, veena and mridangam provide musical accompaniment to the Mohiniattam dancer, who describes episodes from the epics and legends through graceful steps, rhythmic movements of her arms and trained facial expressions. The Hastha Lakshandeepika, a classical text, is the basis for the expressive gestures of the hands and arms in Mohiniattam.
Prepare to be enchanted by the dance of the celestial enchantress, as you watch a Mohiniattam dance performance, when you travel to Kerala, with Kerala backwater.
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