Kamatta
இந்தப் பக்கத்தை தமிழில் வாசிக்க: காமாட்டா
Kamatta is a community based Festival. Since this game is played on Festival days, it is called Beating Kamatta or Kamatta. This art is performed as a secondary performance of Karakattam in Devakottai, Karaikudi areas.
Note: Karakaattam is an ancient folk dance of Tamil Nadu performed in praise of the rain goddess Mariyamman.
Procedure
Kamatta is similar to Kummi. It is performed by Karakattam Artists and Supporting Artists.
A sugarcane will be planted on the pitch. People put burning materials around it and light the fire. Around the bonfire, women and clowns sing heart-pounding songs and dance beating their chests. It is influenced by the Lavani. This is a Kamatta occurring in Karaikudi, Devakottai areas.
On the other hand, in Salem, the festival called Kamatta lasts for 15 days. During these fortnights Kamatta shedding takes place. Here also Kamatta happens similar to the type of Kummi dance.
Notes: Kummi is a folk dance, popular in Tamil Nadu and Kerala in India, danced mostly by Tamil women in circle. Lavani is a genre of music popular in Maharashtra, India. It is a combination of traditional song and dance, which particularly performed to the beats of Dholki, a percussion instrument.
Performers
Kamatta is performed by Karakattam Artists and Supporting Artists. Karakatta women and Clowns dance together like Kummiyattam by going in circles.
Towns of Occurrence
Kamatta is a popular song in Devakottai and Karaikudi areas. It also happens to be the event of a community festival called Kamatta in Salem area.
Venues
Kamatta happens on the field where Karakattam takes place.
References
- Tamilaga Nattar Nigalthu Kalaigal Kalanjiyam - A.K. Perumal
