The traditional dances of Onam festival- Thumbi Thullal

Thumbi Thullal

It is a folk art form which is performed by women of Kerala as a part of Onam celebrations.
This art form was one of the most important events which bring out true spirit of Onam festival long ago.

In thumbi thullal, usually six to seven women in their traditional attire take part. They sit in form of a circle and lead performer (who’ll be called as Thumbi which means dragon fly in malayalam) sitsin the middle of the circle. She’ll be holding a bunch of thumba flowers which were so common all over rural Kerala long ago.

The lead performer will sing a melodious fast paced song and other performers sitting around her will also join after some time. They clap their hands and sway to the melody as the song progresses. Gradually the tempo of the song increases and the lead performer will brush the floor as if she’s some possessed person.When it comes to the end of the song, speed gradually decreases and singing fades away.