When a rare ritual art form was staged after decades
Balikkala, a nearly-extinct ritual art form of north Kerala, was performed in its full form again, as part of a digitisation drive under ARPO LoreKeepers.
Balikkala, a traditional folk art originating from North Malabar, Kerala, faces the imminent threat of extinction. Historically performed by the Malaya community for the health and well-being of women, especially during pregnancy, this invaluable tradition has dwindled to its last few practitioners.
However, on June 25, 2023, the ARPO LoreKeepers team achieved a significant milestone by facilitating a rare performance of Balikkala. This revival featured Mr. Chanthu and Mr. Balakrishnan, both in their 70s and the last living custodians of this fading art form. According to the artists themselves, this was the first such performance in approximately 40 years, marking a crucial step in safeguarding a nearly forgotten cultural legacy.
Watch the full performance
Their performance, which showcased the rare Malaya instrument Arippara as the primary percussion, was meticulously digitally archived, encompassing every facet from the preparation to the lengthy oral songs, serving as a priceless resource for future researchers and a valuable educational tool for younger generations.
The event, supported by the Faizal and Shabana Foundation, also saw the enthusiastic participation of numerous young community members. Many of them had only ever heard tales of the performance and were visibly eager to witness the tradition firsthand. With an audience exceeding a hundred spectators, the event spanned a remarkable seven hours, extending late into the night. The emotional resonance among the performers was palpable, as they revisited a cherished tradition from their youth, evoking memories of performing alongside their parents.
Watch a documentary on Balikkala
Further Impact
Following the documentation drive, the ARPO team nominated Mr. Chanthu Panicker for multiple awards in the field of folklore. As a highly knowledgeable and respected authority on the folk traditions of the Malaya community in Malabar, his profound expertise was duly recognized. He went on to win the prestigious Kerala State Folklore Academy Award.
