Margam Kali performance - Arul Cheythu

Margam Kali is a folk art form performed by womenfolk of Syrian Christians of central Kerala, India.

The word margam literally means ‘way’ or ‘path.’ This art was practiced by the St.Thomas Christians much before the arrival of the Portuguese and was essentially a medium of religious propagation. The theme of the dance is the stories related to the life and contributions of the apostle, St.Thomas.

In Margam Kali, a group of female dancers move rhythmically around a lighted wick lamp. The lamp represents Christ and the performers his disciples. The dancers wear their traditional chattayum mundum.

The video shows here is the Margam kali performance by Students of Nirmala Matha Central School, East Fort Thrissur, Kerala, India.