Margamkali no longer an integral tradition among Nazranis

By Sachin Jose
KOTTAYAM: Margamkali, a group dance performed by Nazrani community (Saint Thomas Christians) of Kerala, has now become a rarity due to westernisation.

     The word "Margam" or path refers to the Way of Cross, while the nilavilakku represents Jesus Christ and the performers his 12 disciples.

     In 1985, the art form was introduced as an item of competition in school festivals. Later, it was introduced at university level, where it became a subject of study, research and competition.

       Seventy-eight-year-old Chinnamma, a Margamkali Asatti (teacher), said, "Women are reluctant to wear the traditional chatta and mundu and they have forgotten the old traditions."