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Dances Mohiniyattom
Mohiniyattom
The sinuous dance of the enchantress, this is a distinctive classical dance
form of Kerala. Slow, graceful, swaying movements of the body and limbs and
highly emotive eye and hand gestures are unique to this dance form.
The simple, elegant gold-filigreed dress, in pure white or ivory, is akin to
the traditional attire of the women of Kerala. The origin of Mohiniyattom is
rooted in Hindu mythology.
Once the ocean of milk was churned by the gods and demons to extract the elixir
of life and immortality. The demons made away with this divine brew. Lord Vishnu
came to the rescue of the panicky gods and assumed the female form of an amorous
celestial dame Mohini.
Captivating the demons with her charms, Mohini stole the elixir from them and
restored it to the gods. This dance was adopted by the Devadasi or temple dancers,
hence also the name 'Dasiattam' which was very popular during the Chera reign
from 9th to 12th century.
Mohiniyattom, Kerala Dances
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