Karakattam or Kumbakkali dance.

Why in news?

• Kerala Nattukala Kshema Sabha has demanded that Karakattam (known as Kumbakkali in certain parts) be recognised as agricultural art form of Kerala.
• Karakattam is an ancient folk dance of Tamil Nadu performed in praise of the rain goddess Mariamman. It’s performed in different parts of Kerala as well.
• It is performed at festivals, roadshows and primarily at Mariamman festivals.
• It involves balancing a large number of pots of decreasing size on the head of the dancers while dancing and expressing theme of the dance.
• Mariamman pooja is held in the month of Medam after Makarakkoythu (harvest season) in Kerala.