The rhythmic sound of clapping can be heard from a distance, even before you enter the open space of a courtyard in Kochi. A group of youngsters move in circles, very energetically stamping their feet and clapping their hands in sync with their singing. They are often interrupted by instructions from their teacher or ashan Thamannam Rameshan. They are members of the group Chakkarakkootam AKG Vayanashala Chakkaraparambu comprising of youths, mostly handymen and students who are practising hard for a Vattakkali performance to be staged during Onam. Also known as Chuvadukali or Chavittukali, this dance form is characterised by extremely fast steps while moving in circles to the accompaniment of music or songs sung by the group.
The dancers whirl faster as they reach the climax of the performance. The 26 youths will be performing this fast-paced art form as a part of Onam programmes. Chuvadukali used to be performed by men and women during Onam but the dance form has seen a decline in recent times. Biju, the co-ordinator, says, “We had started this group in 1988 and then there were a lot of groups performing this. I have seen my mother and grandmother performing this during Onam and I learnt the steps from them. We had to stop the group in between and restart it in 2010 because it was difficult to find performers who are willing to learn and perform the steps.”
Rameshan and Biju
“IIt is not easy to pick up the steps and it is imperative to practise every day,” he adds. Biju is happy that he has managed to get the complete cooperation of the 26 youths who have day jobs or are studying, but still manage to find time to practise diligently before a programme. There are not many male-only group performers who enact the Chuvadukali in Kerala. Shedding more light on their plans, Biju explains, “We are planning a quarter to one hour programme on Thiruvonam day. We normally train to do about 20 songs, ranging in duration from four to eight minutes. On the final performance day, we may get to play 12 - 14 songs. The songs almost always have a social or a mythological theme. Last year, we did a performance based on the rape issue, the Kashmir issue, the Metro rail, of elders being sent to old age homes and also mythological themes like Ekalavya, Maveli etc. Our songs and performances incorporate the old and the new and the songs are written by Justin Kaloor, Abdul Qader, Biju Kadavantra and Vennala Mohan with music composed by Anil Kaloor.”
In this age of television and mega shows, getting performers for such a show is no mean task and the challenges are myriad. Says Biju: “Other than finding performers, it is not easy to learn the steps because each song has got different steps and even the claps are different for each. Practising every day to get the sync right is paramount. The challenge also lies in getting new themes and steps each year.” Most of Biju’s students are under 35 years of age. The youth gather in the evenings after their work or studies to practice. Nikhil, who is studying in Class X, is the nephew of Biju. It was through watching his uncle’s group perform that he started getting interested in the dance form. Nikhil says, “It has been five years since I have been a part of the group. Initially I used to be a spectator whenever my uncle and his troupe performed and slowly the dance got to me. I expressed my desire to perform to my uncle who was only too happy to teach me.” Hari, studying in Class IX, too developed an interest after watching performers doing the Chuvadukali.
He mentions, “Initially it was difficult for me to pick up the steps but now it has been three years since I have been a part of Chakkarakkootam.” The students practice form 8 pm - 11 pm in the days preceding Onam, so that they gel with the group. Biju adds, “Earlier we could practise in courtyards but now open courtyards are disappearing. Next year, I don’t even know if we will have any space to practice.” The response the group has been getting is good and they have performed in 27 places all over Ernakulam. They are getting calls to perform in other districts too but the members find it difficult to get a leave of absence from work. Biju also reveals, “Each district has got a different taste and what works in Kochi may not appeal to the people in another district; so we have to innovate and change the themes.”
