MELARI (KANALATTAM) THE SPECIAL TRIBAL ART FORM IN PANIYA TRIBES OF WAYANAD
Authors :Thomas .K.U
Abstract
The Paniyan is a tribal community in Kerala lives in a group where their relatives
come together. Tribal characteristics that are disappearing in today's social situation
are needed to be preserved. Many customs and practices that the outside world may
judge as superstition or immoral were not so at the time of their formation. They
adopt traditional methods in customs and rituals. Thudi and Chini are indispensable
musical instruments in all the cultural contexts of Paniyar's life. Tribal communities
deeply involved in nature worship and ancestor worship also. It may consider as
belief in spiritual beings. Paniyan performs Kanalatam in their hamlets (Ooru) only
under special circumstances because it is an offering to their deities. A lot of
preparations have to be made for this. The main purpose of Kanalattam is to perform
emergency actions
