Margomkali is a ritual folk
art of the Syrian Christians of Kottayam and Thrissur districts. A dozen dancers
sing and dance around a lighted wick lamp ( Nilavilakku), clad in the
simple traditional white dhoti and sporting a peacock feather on the
turban to add a touch of colour.
This is an allegorical enactment with the lamp representing Christ and the
performers his disciples. The performance is usually held in two parts and
begins with songs and dances narrating the life of St.Thomas, the apostle. It
then takes a striking turn with a martial play of artificial swords and shields.
The narration is stark without musical accompaniments. The songs date back to a
period much before the Portuguese invasion. Today, Margomkali is only
performed as a stage item by women.
