Jawahar library, one of the libraries being mentored by SPACE as a rural information, technology and documentation centre, has taken leadership in documenting Karadikali, an unique artform of Kerala. Karadi Kali, or the dance of the bear, was synonymous with Onam for natives of Kollam until a few decades ago. Over time, this unique cultural tradition along with its rich oral heritage was forgotten, as new forms of entertainment emerged and lured people away from this rustic artform.
Keen on conserving this unique artform, Jawahar Library undertook a series of initiatives with the support of SPACE. It held workshops in the village, bringing together artists, poets and the youth. It decided to produce a documentary on Karadikali, with support of SPACE.
Live performance of Karadikali was held in Arinallur village. Thanks to this initiative, the children of Arinallur woke up to a different Onam this year. The unfamiliar strains of Karadi paattu (song of the bear) greeted them at their doorstep, heralding the arrival of Karadi (the bear), men covered from head to toe in coconut leaves who danced and jiggled to the song. Little children let out wails of terror, the older children looked awestruck at the spectacle while the olderpeople in the house nodded their heads in recognition and approval at the return of this time-old tradition back to their village.
The performance was captured on the camera for the documentary, which explores the origins and the oral traditions of karadikali. The library also compiled 25 songs sung in accompaniment to Karadikali in different parts of Kerala and published them in print and digital format.
