VARIOUS TYPES OF FOLK/REGIONAL MUSIC OF KERALALijo K J Diploma 1 Generally folk songs of Kerala have a wide range of subjects and are interestingly throwing light on conditions of primitive and present life and thoughts. The music of folk songs are melodic in character and bears on it the mark and stamp of communal growth and activity. Some times these songs are accompanied by dance and drama. The main feature of these songs are simple language, oral tradition and specific interesting rhythmic patterns. They use certain words, without meaning, like theythom, thaithah, thithathaara and tharikida to make these songs more rhythmic. Vaguely these folk songs can be classified as Thekkan paattu1 and Vadakkan paattu (southern and northern songs). But these system is not so strict as all songs in both regions can heard out of these boundaries as well. Another system of classification which can be seen in some books are related to the occasion or the context in which these songs are sung. Some examples are:• Samudhayika Paattukal2 (Songs related to certain community) :- Pulluvan Paattu, Malayar Paattu, Mannar Paattu and Mappila Pattu • Anushtana Paattukal (Songs related to ceremonies) :- Kalasa Paattu, Thiryuzhichil Paattu and Thottam Paattu • Thozhil Paattukal/ Pani Paattukal (Songs related to work to reduce the strain of work – some are sung during the work) :- Vithukila Paattu, Aravu Paattu, Vandi Paattu and Vanchi Paattu • Vinodha Paattu (Songs for pure entertainment) :- Kolkkali Paattu, Kaikotti Paattu and Kummaatti Paattu • Kuttanaadan Paattu :- Songs sung near Alappuzha and near Kuttanadu region. • Naayaattu Paattukal (Hunting songs) :- Sung during they eat the animals they captured after hunting We can also see overlapping of these sections wih regards to certain features. There are many musical instruments specific to Kerala related to folk music. Some of them are Pulluvaveena, Nandhuni, Chenda, Thakilu, Dhaf, Cheenikkuzhal, Idakka and Thudi. Even some domestic instruments like Kinnam, Kindi, Chembu, Kalam and Mani are also used for some songs. For percussion instruments, there are specific 1 Paattu means song in Malayalam 2 Paattukal is the plural word for Paattu These people go to houses and sing in the courtyard for the wellbeing of the people in the house and to get relieved from the curse from the snake Gods. I am trying to discuss a few folk music genres which I personally experienced and researched about. It involves a lifetime's effort to collect all the details of the folk music genres of Kerala as it has such a wast folk music culture and many of the forms are near to extinction. with the limitations regards to the errors which can be caused due to translation of colloquial terms related to folk music. Pulluvan paattu • Sarppakkalam Sarppakkavu Listen to track no. 1. They decorate the places and put “Sarppakkalam” (it is a drawing. They use instruments like Pulluva veena. Udukku Paattukal/ Ayyappan Paattukal/ Sasthan Paattukal Udukku Paattu . Those “Pulluvar” lives in northern part of Kerala sing songs related to spirits and those from other parts sing songs related to Sarppam (snake Gods). In this essay. Panchari thaalam and Marmma Thaalam. They celebrate song festivals (sarppam paattu) in Sarppa Kkavu and Naaga Kshetram (Both are places where they worship snake Gods). I have added some available recordings of the folk songs in the attached listening guide.rhythmic patterns specific to Kerala are also used. looks similar to Kolam or Rangoli in other parts of india) and they sing in front of it. Chembada Thaalam. 2. Pulluvar Paattu This is a kind of folk song which is sung by a community called “Pulluvar” lives in various parts of Kerala. 1 in the listening disk for Pulluvan Paattu example. Pulluva kkudam and Kuzhithaalam for accompanying these songs. Some rhythmic patterns are:.Adantha thaalam. • Listen to track no. Thirandu Mangalam (when girls attain puberty) and Arangattu Mangalam (to make a boy eligible for agricultural labour). karunam. haasyam and athbudham. The word “Pula” means the land used for agriculture. 5. 3. • Listen to track no. One person leads the singing and others repeats the song. They might not convey a particular story in particular. There are ceremonies called Maalayidal by taking lent for sometime by wearing black cloths related to these ceremonies. 4. They form two groups and sing these songs as a conversation between the groups as a competition. Kalasa Paattu to praise Guru Dhaivam (chief of tribal Gods) and other Goddesses and Poovaniyum Paattu to praise boys when they put Arangattu Kolam (a religious ritual in Northern part of Kerala). 2 in the listening disk for Ayyappan Paattu example. These songs describe how to decorate the Panthal. They sing these songs when they plant the rice seedlings in the paddy fields. 3 in the listening disk for Vadakkan Paattu example. • Listen to track no. Mangala Paattukal are sung by a cast called Mavilar who lives in Kannur and Kasargaud districts of Kerala. These songs were transferred through generations by oral tradition. Pulayarude paattukal Sung by the cast named “Pulayar”. Por Paattukal This is a variety of songs which related to agriculture (also called Krishi paattukal).Kannal Kalambadu to praise pregnant ladies. Udukku is a percussion instrument similar to Damru. related to festivals ceremonies in Mandalakaalam (a period starting from around November till January). They develop the story line during singing. where they work. Some are :. The 3 Kadhakal means stories . Ganapathi Paattu. Chaaran Paattukal (Vadakkan Paattukadhakal) These are sung in northern parts of Kerala. Thacholy Paattukal (both are stories related to certain royal families in northern Kerala). The language of songs are more related to the spoken language of northern Kerala. an instrument used in North India. These songs are for pure entertainment. The divisions of Chaaran Paattukal are Puthooram Paattukal. Most of these songs are sung when people undertake pilgrimage to Sabarimala temple in Kerala. • Listen to track no. Mangala Paattukal The word Mangalam means marriage. The topics would be emotions like veeram. 6. Songs differ according to place and cast. They invite the neighbors and friends for these ceremonies and the ceremonies might last for one day and night. 4 in the listening disk for Pulayarude paattukal example. 5 in the listening disk for Mangalam paattu example. premam. Kanni Kadhakal and Veera Kadhakal3. They sit in a circle and sing these songs with Udukku. They sing different types of songs. Aniyaara Panthal is a song which they sing when they decorate Panthal where the ceremonies take place. Virunnu Paattu. There are different types of Mangalams like Kaathukuthu Mangalam (celebrate when they pierce the ear lobe of girls to put ear rings). People sing these songs when they work in paddy fields. They use an instrument called Para to sing the songs. Ayyappan Paattukal is more prevalent in Kottayam district in Kerala.These are songs which praise Lord Ayyappa or Sasthan. Ganapathy Paattu. towards the end of a festival called Pooram in middle and northern part of Kerala. 8. . The sing and dance during the ceremonies and it lasts for 9 days. They sings in temples during certain time period. 6 & 7 in the listening disk for Theyyam Paadi Paattukal example. Marakkala Paattu and Yakshi Sthuthi. Angam. 7. Theyyam Paadi Paattukal Seen mostly in temples in Northern Kerala. There are different songs for each section. They sing it as groups and make it a competition (Matsarakkaly). These songs have been sung by Theyyam paadikal (Dheivam Paadikal) by Kalamezhuthum Paattum (traditional decoration and patterns made with ground rice and singing). Poorakkali These songs are sung in temples. Pambattam and so on. In certain temples they sing for 41 days. Eg:. Other songs sung by Karimbaalar are Cheerumba Paattu to praise the tribal Goddess (Dhevatha) named Cheerumba/Cheerma. They use certain stories from Vadakkan Paattukadhakal for the singing. They believe that they are from the tradition of singers from heaven(Devagayaka vrindham) and even Gods like their singing. Their agricultural songs are called Vithukila Paattukal. Pooramaala. They sing this song when they plough the field after sowing. Bharata Kadha. We can see the tradition of Kalarippayattu (Martial art form of Kerala) in these songs. Ramayanam Kadha. There are different sections for the singing like Navanandana.lyrics might include local slangs and some times even obscene words. Pada. 9. Theyyam • Listen to track nos.Vettakkorumakan Paattu. Karimbaalarude Paattukal Karimbalar is a tribal group lives in Thalassery and Thalipparambu Taluks in Kerala. 10. Vilithottam are sung to invite the Goddesses to human body.Vaishnava Moorthikal. . Eg:. Different communities like Vannan. Naagam. Chamundi. Pulayan and Paanar have different Thottam Paattukal. People believe that the dancers in Theyyam ot Theyyattam are transformed to Goddesses during Theyyattam. Polichu Paattukal are sung to praise the Goddesses in human form. There are also Thottam Paattukal says about victory over wicked people or social evil. Malayar. Mavilar. 8 in the listening disk for Poorakkali example. They sing to praise the servants of Gods called Amsa bhoothangal like Gandharvan. Bhootham and Mriga who are servants of Gods such as Bagavathy. 8 in the listening disk for Thottam Paattukal example. Kaali. Siva.Poorakkali • Listen to track no. • Thottam paattu Listen to track no.Maniyara unnangathottam. Thottam Paattukal These are songs related to rituals in temples in middle and northern parts of Kerala related to Theyyattam and Thirayattam also called Theyyamthira. Kolkkali (Hindus) • Kolkkali(Muslims) Listen to track nos. 10 a & 10 b in the listening disk for Kolkkalippaattu in Hindu and Muslim culture examples. People dance and sing with these sticks in a circle on the occasion of some festivals. 13. Manthravaadha Paattukal “Manthravaadham” means black magic. 12. They use these songs for their rituals. Almost all religions have their on type of Kolkkalippattu.11. There are certain communities which consider “Manthravaadham” as their livelihood. Mannan. It is considered as a ritual as well as an entertainment. Kolkkalippattu is also called Kambadi or Koladi. Some of these songs are used for marriage and . Muslims with dance form called Oppana or Arabanamuttu and Hindus related to festivals like Onam sing these songs. Examples for these communities are Pulluvan. Kannettu Paattu and Kadamthudi. Malayar and Kanisan.Tholuzhichil Paattu. Kolkkalippaattu “Kol” means stick. Eg:. Thirvathira Paattukal Thiruvaathira On Thiruvathira in the month of Dhanu (according to Malayalam calendar) women sing these songs along with a traditional dance form called Thiruvathirakkali. Another section of Maappila Paattukal written by Moyinkutty Vaidyar was called Kathu Paattukal. Most of them are related to Kaikottikkali (dance form with clapping). Pappinikal are almost extinct now. they are known as Pappinikal. Singing starts in early morning till afternoon and again from evening till midnight. Generally Maappila Paattukal were sung during many occasions like marriage and delivery. They have the right to sing in temples. Brahmini Paattukal Sung by cast called Pushpaka. Maappila paattukal were written in this new language. Maappila Paattukal Arabs spread the Islamic principle while there was trade relation between India before 1300 years mostly in Northern part of Kerala. 15. In northern Kerala. 4 Kolam is traditional Indian decoration and patterns made with ground rice. separation and entertainment. Another type of Maappila Paattukal is called Mailanji Paattu sung during marriage with Oppana dance. Oppana • Listen to track no. These were songs written for lovers as message to their partners. They prepare the garlands and flowers for the use in temples. These songs were transferred through generations by oral tradition. Mostly found in Kottayam and Thrissur district. 12 in the listening disk for Mappila Paattukal examples. First written book on Maappila paattu came out before 400 years called Mohayidheen Maala. • Listen to track no. They decorate the place with white and red cloths. Initially the subjects were religious in nature describing the saints in Islam. Some of them got married to local people and settled down here and created Maappila community. Kathu means letter. During marriage.also in the season of Onam. Maappila Paattukal originated from these people. particularly during festivals. revenge. 14. leaves of coconut tree. people dance with clapping to the songs called Oppana Paattukal a type of Maappila Paattukal. 11 in the listening disk for Thirvathira Paattukal examples. mango tree and banyan tree and they put kolam4 with ground rice. This community is basically originated by Brahmin (an upper cast in India) community. Around 1860s Moyinkutty Vaidhyar changed the religious nature of Maappila Paattukal by writing songs related to love. They created a special language called Arabic-Malayalam by mixing Malayalam and Arabic. . they use the folk songs and mix it with some other genres. origin and its impact in the community. But the sad part is that the public who appreciate these bands becoming very less these days. Kuttanad and Aaranmula regions in Kerala. 17. Examples are Cheera Paatu. but the real purpose of folk songs or proper study related to these songs is missing in these attempts. Kumbala Paattu and Manga Paattu. They sung these songs during the boat races to keep all the people who row the boat in synchronization. and religion. It is becoming very hard to find out details of certain folk music forms these days. and Vayali Bamboo band are trying to spread awareness about these culture and preserve these folk tradition. It speaks about human emotions. It is a sad fact that many of these genres are near extinction because many of the younger generation from these communities are not ready to take these folk tradition as their career. social values. They explain cooking of certain vegetables or discuss about how to cultivate these vegetables and gardening. We get only written information about most of the genres. We can say that these fusion attempt is for purely entertainment. 13 in the listening disk for Vanji Paattukal examples. • Vanji paattu Listen to track no. Vachu Paattukal are sung when they reduce the speed of the boat and Kuthu Paattukal are sung to tease other teams during boat race. theory. These days students are learning the folk songs only for the sake of competitions like Kerala State Youth Festivals. Curry Paattukal The subject of these songs are cooking. It had a an important role in moulding the society in the current form. A new trend evolved in past few years is the evolution of fusion bands like Avial. Folk songs are an important part of our culture.16. As these traditions are so precious to be preserved for next generations. the government should take necessary measures to promote . Another important aspect is that there is not much scientific studies related to folk music with regards to its value.There are also pure folk bands like Karinthalakkoottam formed by centre for folklore studies based in Mala in Thrissur. There are different types of Vanji Paattukal called Thanduvali Paattu and Thuzha Paattu sung during they row the boats (Vanji or Vallam). We can also study about history through this songs as there were no written proof about some historical events. Vanji Paattu or Vallamkali Paattu Prevalent in Alappuzha. So it has become a real challenge to preserve these rich culture. Published by Olive publications. 3) “Keralathile Naadan Paattukal oru Samagra Padanam” by Dr. Sasidharan Klari. 4) “Theyyam Thirakalude Thottam Paattukal” by Dr. Aug 2005. V. M. Vishnunamboothiri. May 2010. 2) “Maappilappaattu Charithravum Varthamaanavum” by V M Kutty. V.these traditions by finding out people who sings these folk music traditionally and make these traditions available for the younger generations. Nov 2007. Vishnunamboothiri. published by Current Books. V Vishnunamboothiri 7) “Musical Heritage of India” by Manorama Sharma . V Vishnunamboothiri 6) “Keralathile Naadan Sangeetham” by Dr. March 2005. published by DC Books Kottayam. Bibliography 1) “Nammude Pandathe Paattukal” by Dr. published by State Institute of Languages Kerala. 5) “Naadan Kalakal Naadan Paattukal” by Dr.