Thiruvathirakali In Kerala

Thiruvathirakali is a dance performed by women singing in praise of Lord Shiva, to attain everlasting marital bliss. This dance is performed on Thiruvathira day (the sixth lunar asterism) in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December- January).

The dance is a celebration of marital fidelity and the female energy, for this is what brought Kamadeva (the god of love) back to life after he was reduced to ashes by the ire of Lord Siva.

The sinuous movements executed by a group of dancers around a nilavilakku ((pedestal wick lamp), embody 'lasya' or the amorous charm and grace of the feminine.

The dance follows a circular, pirouetting pattern accompanied by clapping of the hands and singing. Today, Thiruvathirakali has become a popular dance form for all seasons.