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Kalamezhuthu - the colorful ritual art
Kalamezhuthu is another unique art form which is found in Kerala. It is essentially a temple art. Before the performance of Kalamezhuthu large patterns of deities are drawn on the floor. The picture of the diety is drawn with the hand, without using any tools or brush. Apart from the colour powders the usual items used are Rice (white), Turmeric (yellow), Charcoal from paddy husk (black), blend of Turmeric powder and Lime (red) and powdered leaves (green). Although several leaves are found suitable, the most commonly used are those of Albizzia lebbek.
The drawing of the large picture gradually develops a central line, with black powder. Sketching, if done, is also with powder only. The colored picture is developed patch by patch, growing outward.
Usually Kalamezhuthu is conducted as part of the general festivities in the temple, or as part of a major ritual like Nagapuja. The rituals related to the Kalam are performed by the artists themselves, usually the traditional drummers.
The drawing starts at appointed time and shall be erased by young ladies who perform the Kalamezhuthu uranju thullal. The long hair of these ladies is used to erase the drawings. When the kalam has been erased or distracted, the rituals related to the Kalamezhuthu will immediately come to an end.
