Kalamezhuthu art is religious art, and a reflection of the values of the people of Kerala, in southern India, where it is made. Fragrance sticks are placed near the idols, and the light smoke rising from them adds to the peaceful atmosphere.
Within this South Indian temple, the whites of the jasmine blooms contrast with the bright red of the wall decorations, creating a vibrant experience. It’s all extremely straightforward and calming. The Kalamezhuthu artwork on the entrance floor looks beautiful and unique.
Ritual Art:
The ritual artwork decorates the flooring of most temples in Southern India, especially those dedicated to the goddess and narrates temple history through large and colorful images of gods. Kalamezhuthu art is made with powdered colors in the same way as rangoli is made in other regions of the country.
The designs of Kalamezhuthu art, a temple form of art, show image of gods displaying strong emotions. Kalamezhuthu is a Kerala religious artwork form in which the deity’s image is created on the floor with five different colors of powder. Several communities in Kerala do this, and this is a part of several ritual practices. Kalamezhuthu and Pattu are performed to worship the gods and keep bad luck at bay.
It is performed in Bhadrakali temples during festivals. Colored powders are used to depict various gods.
Three Stages of Artwork:
Kalamezhuthu’s ritual goes through 3 parts that concentrate on religious, artistic, and societal concerns. The Kalamezhuthu is created first, by the Kalam Pattu, which includes the representation of the deity’s story; and lastly, the Kalam Thullal, under which the kalam is removed while the performers perform the classic drum beats.
The drawing begins at the specified hour and is removed as soon as the Kalam ceremonies are completed.
Artists of Kalamezhuthu Art:
Kalamezhuthu artists are mostly members of Theyyampadi, Nambiars, and many other communities. Their kalams vary only in a few features; nonetheless, the rituals that surround the performance of this artwork are all the same. Kalamezhuthu is performed as part of the temple’s main festivities. The artists conduct the ceremonies. Offerings of grains are heaped around the Kalamezhuthu.
The area is decorated with colorful flowers, and leaves, as part of the celebrations. The ceremony is also based on the singing of songs, which fills the temple with music. According to the worship, the type of song differs widely, ranging from folk to classic. Instruments are used to enhance ritual songs recited in the worship of the god once the kalam is completed.
Kalamezhuthu Art And Use of Organic Products:
For the Kalam, only natural ingredients are used. Charcoal powder, Rice flour, turmeric powder, powder evergreens, and turmeric powder are among the colors produced from plants. It might take up to two hours to complete the procedure, which is occasionally enhanced with a covering of palm leaves, flowers, and Ocimum leaves.
The artists typically belonged to the Theyyampadi Nambiars, Theeyadi Unit, and Kurups tribes, each with their distinct kalam characteristics. These pieces display a broad spectrum of emotions as the artists reveal their true feelings.
Worship of God:
It is a temple artwork technique. The designs to be created and the colors to be used are traditionally specified, and they are carefully followed. The worship of gods (Devi, Sastha, and Naga) is represented by Kalams. Tantric rituals contain some variations of the rituals as well.
The designs, tiny details, size, and color choices are all required, not optional. The designs differ considerably based on the occasion, but usually due to the artist’s preference. The process of creation is very unique.
Conclusion:
The huge picture is developed around a central line made with black color powder. Kalamezhuthu art is usually performed as part of the temple’s usual celebrations or as part of a major ceremony.
The performers themselves, mainly traditional drummers, conduct the ceremonies associated with the Kalam. Rice and other grains are piled in certain areas in and around the entrance hall, which is also embellished with flowers, and leaves.
In these ceremonies, lighting is extremely important. Oil lamps are used exclusively. The most significant aspect of worship is singing songs in worship of the god. Based on the god being worshipped, the types of hymns vary greatly. The drawing begins at the allotted time and must be erased as soon as the Kalam ceremonies are completed.
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