Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture, with the generous CSR support of Dorf Ketal Chemicals India, has undertaken a remarkable initiative to preserve and document a rare musical tradition rooted in the cultural heart of Kerala. This unique endeavor focuses on the songs sung by women during grinding rituals, particularly in the Thalassery area of the Malabar region.

The Tradition: Songs of the Grinding Stones

In the past, grinding stones were indispensable in the preparation of marriage feast delicacies, such as grated coconut and spice mixtures. The rhythmic labor of grinding was accompanied by a vibrant oral tradition: folk songs sung by women who worked through the night, transforming their arduous tasks into moments of shared joy and expression.

These songs, categorized under work songs, are more than melodies; they are vessels of storytelling, humor, and communal bonding. Women sing ballads of North Kerala, light-hearted comedic verses, and poetic praises of the bride. On occasion, guests passing by would reward the singers with money, acknowledging their talent and the communal spirit they fostered.

Sadly, with the advent of mechanized grinders, the sound of the grinding stones and the accompanying songs have faded, making the documentation of this tradition a timely and essential cultural preservation effort.

A Living Archive: The Custodians of Heritage

Under the leadership of Nani, a 75-year-old veteran of this tradition, Folkland has meticulously documented this art form. Nani, who began singing at the age of 18, carries forward the legacy of her mother, Chirutha, a renowned folk singer of her time.

Joining Nani in this noble endeavor are five other talented singers:

Leela K. (63 years)

Madhavi (75 years)

Ajitha (51 years)

Leela C.K. (67 years)

Padmini (60 years)

These women, each with decades of experience, form a living archive of folk traditions, offering authentic renditions of songs passed down orally through generations.

Additional Cultural Performances

The Folkland team was accompanied by dedicated cultural enthusiasts:

Mr. Satheesan Bangalam

Mr. Prashanth Pattyam

Mr. Babu Raj Kunnathuparambu

Mr. Sudhi Panoor

Mr. Jibeesh

Following the documentation of grinding songs, the event featured a traditional stick dance performed by local artists in an authentic style. This captivating performance was complemented by folk songs specifically associated with the stick dance tradition of the Thalassery area.

The singers who enriched the event with their performances included:

Ajitha C

Devootty P

Vasanda K

Sathi T.K.

Rohini V.

Sujala

Sreeja P.

Lakshmi A.V.

Bindu P.V.

Pushpa K.

Their contributions added depth and authenticity to the event, showcasing the diversity and richness of folk traditions in the region.

The Cultural Significance of Work Songs

Work songs, including grinding and stick dance songs, represent a vital aspect of Kerala’s intangible cultural heritage. They are communal acts that blend labor with artistry, fostering emotional expression, social cohesion, and cultural identity. The Thalassery grinding songs and stick dance songs encapsulate themes ranging from historical events to personal stories, humor, and rituals, thus serving as enduring narratives of the community's ethos.

A Testament to Kerala’s Rich Heritage

The initiative by Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture to document the grinding songs of Thalassery is a tribute to Kerala’s vibrant heritage. By immortalizing the songs of Nani, her group, and the artists associated with the stick dance tradition, this project not only honors the resilience of these custodians of culture but also ensures that their voices and art forms echo across generations.

As mechanized grinders replace the rhythmic hum of grinding stones and stick dances become rarer, these efforts will serve as a poignant reminder of a time when every act of labor was imbued with art, community, and celebration.