Kuravar Kali (Bharata Kali), Pusthakagramam, Perumkulam

The Kuravar artists were under the patronage and guidance of the tutelage of the Kuravarkulam Urali, who belonged to a dravidian tribe. They saw the universe as the all  eternal and ultimate truth. They worshipped and revered natural elements such as  sun, moon, water, air, and trees. They gave wild food as offerings to the Gods who protected them in their times of  happiness and sadness. They pleased the gods through their dancing and singing in circular movements. Their belief is that the deities who are pleased with this will bestow them with their blessings for the prosperity of  their tribe and their lands. As a clan ritual art of Kurams, Kuram games are still being performed in Kavus and temples.

The places where such games are played are called kalari or kalams. The instruments required for these are Maddalam, Kutty, Kuzhal (bamboo), and Kaimani. All these three beats, in rhythm, wake up the mountain gods and  the kalam. Urali prostrates and prays for the prosperity, unity, and  peace  of their country. The women performers of the hair dance perform it with Vratashudhya or sanctity of the mind and body. The game must end before the temple is closed.

This art form is also known as Bharata Kali in some parts of Kerala. In it, games are also conducted to please the gods and the characters of the great epics-Ramayana and Mahabharata. 

PERUMA - Pusthakagramam, Perumkulam, Kottarakkara