Kalamezhuthu in Kerala

The Kalamezhuthu is a form of dhulee chithram or powder drawing. This ritual art is practiced in temples essentially and to a lesser degree in noble households. A forty day ritualistic festival is held in most Bhagavathy/ Bhadrakali temples in Kerala and the Kalamezhuthu is a part of this festival.

Late in the afternoon starts the drawing of the Kalam. Men from certain communities such as Kurups, Theyyampadi Nambiars, Theeyadi Nambiars and Theeyadi Unnis come together to draw an outline about 5 meters by 3 meters. Now from the outline they draw up the Goddess' figure. The deity is done up in bright colors to contrast with a dark background. The picture from head to feet looks impassioned and reveals the fervor of the devotees. Bell metal lamps are placed on the four corners of the drawing and are light. The materials used to create these images are traditional and totally natural. Burnt husk of paddy provides black, while powdered turmeric makes yellow; powdered leaves and mylanchi lend the green hues and vermilion provides the red. Colors are mixed and new colors created. Powdered rice is used to outline and lend a white color.The entire artistry is bound by traditional norms and the pictures and rituals vary depending on the community, deity drawn/worshipped and tradition followed.

The deities whose pictures are depicted here are Bhadrakali, Ayappan Swami, Naga Devata etc. These deities are essentially non Aryan in their origin and their ferocity is revealed by the expressions of the Kalam. The deities are offered agricultural products, the conch is blown, mantras chanted and songs (folk and classical) sung. The festival gets to a fervid pitch as devotees start seeking the Oracle. Seething in divinity some of the possessed start a dance and with the percussions such as chenda, kuzhal, kombu and chenda, the kalam is erased.