In a determined effort to preserve and promote Kerala’s fading tribal traditions, Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture, in collaboration with Dravida Gothrakala Akademy and supported through Dorf Ketal's CSR initiative, organized a two-day intensive workshop on Mangalam Kali. This vibrant tribal dance form, rooted in the wedding rituals of Malavettuva and Mavila communities, was brought to life at the Folkland Centre in Payyanur on May 3rd and 4th, 2025.
While modern Kerala takes pride in its rich cultural spectrum, it is often the tribal expressions—songs, dances, rituals—that remain at the margins, underrepresented and under-preserved. Recognizing this, Folkland has made it a mission to breathe life into traditional art forms at risk of extinction due to a lack of documentation, institutional support, and generational transmission.
Mangalam Kali: A Dance of Union, Rhythm, and Identity
“Mangalam” literally means auspiciousness, and true to its name, Mangalam Kali is traditionally performed during weddings, celebrating the union of souls through dance, drum, and song. Unlike classical forms shaped in courtly or urban spaces, Mangalam Kali is deeply tribal, performed collectively by community members, especially women, often in open grounds or village courtyards.
The Malavettuva and Mavila tribes, residing in the northern districts of Kasargod and Kannur, have safeguarded this dance form for centuries. However, with modern lifestyles displacing traditional practices, the continuity of Mangalam Kali has become threatened.
Cultural Recognition and the Need for Training
A breakthrough moment arrived in 2024 when Mangalam Kali was officially recognized as a competitive event in the Kerala State School Youth Festival, India’s largest student cultural platform. But with recognition came new challenges.
Despite being on the festival roster, very few students across the state were able to present the art form in its authentic form. The absence of trained instructors, especially in central and southern Kerala, led to misrepresentations and diluted versions of the original style. It became clear that a structured, inclusive training model was urgently needed to bridge the performance gap and uphold the integrity of the tradition.
Folkland’s Intervention: Building Bridges through Education
In response to this cultural necessity, Folkland, in association with the Dravida Gothrakala Academy, launched a series of workshops aimed at training both students and folk trainers. The first in this series was held on May 3–4, 2025, at the serene and heritage-rich Folkland Campus in Payyanur.
An invitation was extended to 50 cultural enthusiasts, out of which 35 participants from various parts of Kerala actively engaged in the workshop. Participants ranged from school art trainers to young cultural activists eager to reconnect with grassroots traditions.
Day One: Inauguration and Interactive Sessions
The inaugural ceremony began at 3:00 PM on May 3rd, with Mr. P.K. Ramachandran, Chairman of Dravida Gothrakala Academy, presiding over the session. The workshop was formally inaugurated by Dr. V. Jayarajan, noted folklorist and Chairman of Folkland, who emphasized the urgent need for authentic cultural transmission.
Distinguished speakers at the event included Mr. M. Pradeepkumar, former President of Kerala Folklore Academy, who served as Chief Guest, Mr. C.K. Kunhiraman, President of Malavettuva Mahasabha, Cultural scholars and practitioners, Reshma Raveendran, Raghavan Adukkam, K. Sureshan, and Satheeshan
The day’s practical sessions immersed participants in rhythmic Tudi drumming, lyrical tribal songs, and the group choreography of Mangalam Kali. Trainers demonstrated variations in movement and style from different tribal belts, highlighting the nuances in rhythm, costume, and gesture.
Dr. V. Jayarajan inauguarating the program
Day Two: Political and Social Support for Indigenous Art
The second day of the workshop brought not only training but powerful affirmations of support from influential figures. Mr. Rajmohan Unnithan, Member of Parliament representing Kasaragod, visited the workshop and interacted with the participants. Deeply impressed by the initiative, he promised his full support for the future promotion and teaching of Mangalam Kali.
Adding a deeper layer of socio-political resonance to the event was the presence of Mr. P.V. Rajagopal, a leading Gandhian and President of Ekta Parishad, a nationwide movement for land rights and rural justice. Accompanying him was Ms. Jill Carr Harris, a Canadian human rights activist and a long-time partner of Mr. Rajagopal in community development efforts. Both commended Folkland’s dedication to safeguarding the cultural dignity of tribal communities.
In the valedictory session, Mr. Karayil Sukumaran, a respected cultural commentator, delivered a heartfelt address on the importance of intergenerational and interregional cultural exchange.
Trainees with Mr. Rajmohan Unnithan, Member of Parliament representing Kasaragod,
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Rhythm
The Payyanur workshop marks just the beginning of a larger cultural movement—a series of workshops and performances that will be conducted across Kerala to train instructors, inspire students, and institutionalize Mangalam Kali in school and community platforms.
By transforming passive admiration into active participation, Folkland continues to honor its role as a catalyst in cultural preservation, bridging the divide between tribal roots and a modern, appreciative audience.
As the rhythmic beats of the Tudi drum fade into memory, what remains is a stronger resolve—to keep the spirit of Mangalam Kali alive, not just as a performance, but as a living tradition that speaks of love, unity, and community pride.