Karinthalakkoottam ensures Kolams' live on

Thiruvananthapuram: A peacock, a ball, a bouquet, a flower - all woven with coconut leaves; for a moment, one would think that 'Karinthalakkoottam' are 'Kuruthola' artists. The ones who have seen them perform such artforms as 'Vattamudi Kolam', say they are 'adipoli' (exceptional) - a term normally not used with ritualistic artforms. Arjunan T.K., one of the members, says that 'Karinthalakkoottam' is much more. "It is a movement," he says. They were here to be part of National Folk Festival of Kerala at Kanakakkunnu.

The group was founded in the nineties by P.R. Ramesh, a KSRTC employee, to ensure that the art forms like Vattamudi Kolam, Karimkali Kolam and Malavazhi Kolam do not disappear. “Initially we had to face a lot of criticism, as many said that these were ritualistic art forms, meant to be performed only at 'Kavus'. Then there were those who mocked at us, saying these art forms had no value, as they were performed by people from the lower castes. We weathered the oppositions, as our intention was that we should be able to pass it on to the new generations,” he says.

The word 'Karinthala' means generations in 'Porulicha' language spoken by the Pulaya community of Central Kerala, according to Arjunan.   They seem to have succeeded in wooing the next generation. Sanal P.M., a young member, says that there a lot of young men in their group. “The number is steadily growing with time. The new generation wants to showcase their talent as performers. Their performance is no longer limited to the rituals at a 'Kavu',” he says.