Thrissur to witness Kummattikkali today

THRISSUR: Kummattikkali, a Thrissur-based art form, will be performed on Saturday. The colourful mask dance appears only during Onam season and people believe that Onam celebration would not be complete unless they watch this art form.Kummattikkali is performed as an offering to the God. K Muraleedaran, Kummatty Maholsava convener of the Kizhakkumpattukara Thekkumury Desom, says all the artistes take part in the event on their own will. “Unlike many other art forms, we do not pay to the participants of the Kummattikkali. Interestingly, many are ready to pay the organising committee for letting them participate in the annual event. The enthusiasm of the participants and viewers is the reason why Kummattikkali is still prevailing in Thrissur. This year, we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of three of our masks - Sree Parvathy, Hanuman and Kiratha,” he says. Even time has taken its toll on this art form, too. “Initially, we used to sing at least two songs at the houses we visited, but now we found it impractical and perform the art form on road,” he says.“Kummattikkali also brings all the religions together. In our team alone, four Christians are dressing up as Kummattis this year,” he adds.People not only from the other states but also from foreign countries come to watch the art. “Once a group from Japan had visited and later informed that they had included this art in one of their schools’ syllabus in the folk poetry. This shows that our Kummattikkali has attained the attention of the world,” he adds.