Garudan Thookkam (Eagle Hanging) is a popular ritual art form performed during the Meena Bharani festival in certain Kali temples in some Central Kerala districts in south India.
It is conducted mostly in Bhadrakali temples situated in Kottayam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Idukki districts.
Garuda is the eagle-mount of Lord Vishnu, and according to a myth, Lord Vishnu sent Garuda to quench the thirst of Goddess Kali after she slayed the demon king Darika in a fiercely-fought battle.
The ritual is conducted as an offering to Goddess Kali by her devotees
In this ritual art, men dressed up as Garuda perform a ritualistic dance to the accompaniment of traditional musical instruments such as Chenda, Elathalam, Kombu, etc. The performance incorporates 18 thalavattam (rhythmic patterns)
After the night-long performance, the main performers are pierced with a shaft hook on his back known as Choondakuthal and hung in a tall grandly decorated, and lighted wooden pedestal and taken around the temple thrice by the devotees.
Magnificent makeup, vibrant costumes, and resplendent headgear turn nondescript figures into majestic performers.
Only natural pigments like Vellamanayola, Pacha, Chuvappu, and Mashi are used for facial makeup.
Besides this, Pattuvaal, Njori, Kacha, Mundi, Astimala (garlands made from the wood of Mango Tree), Chamaram (false hair), Chiraku (wings), Uttareeyam (upper garment), Kireedam (crown), etc. are used to complete the costume of Garuda.
The Garudan Parava performer appears to be in a trance, as he dances to the rhythmic beat of percussions, creating an aura of spiritual and mystic vibe all around.
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