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Explore our archive of rare stories from different corridors of cultural discourse across craft, oral and performance traditions, visual culture and more.
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Paliya Nritham : Dance, Devotion & Daily Life
Paliya Nritham, a dance form practiced by the Paliya community in Kerala in their settlement at Kumali, is an example on how the community builds livelihood by upholding their cultural practice and identity. Tucked away from the hectic tourist spots of Thekkady, Vellayankaani Paliya Parambaragatha Nritham, a team of 20 + enthusiastic individuals from Paliyakudi, Kumily practices their dance form of Paliya Nritham to their set of songs with various traditional instruments. He
Mannan Koothu : The Living Tradition of a Tribal Dance in Kerala
Among the Mannan tribal community of Kerala, a rich cultural tradition continues to beat to the rhythms of drums and the chants of ancient tales. This is Mannan Koothu, a traditional dance-drama that weaves storytelling, music, and ritual into a unique form of cultural expression. At its heart lies the retelling of the legendary Kannaki - Kovalan saga, a story rooted in Tamil Sangam literature but uniquely adapted by the Mannan people into their own version of the epic. WATCH
Balikkala: Re-staging a lost ritual art|Documentary
Balikkala is a ritual art, practiced by the Malayar community of northern Kerala. Performed for the health and well-being of women, it has g
Balikkala | Watch the full Performance
Balikkala is a traditional folk art from North Malabar, Kerala, with historical roots in the Malaya community, who traditionally...
ARPO releases Koothu Kondakkari, first music video from Earthlore Season 1
‘Koothu Kondakari’ is a traditional composition of the Irular community featuring the National award-winning singer Nanjiyamma along with...
The story of a sorcerer | Documentary on a Malaya Manthravadi
Rajan Panikker is a Sorcerer (Mandrikan) from Kozhikode (Kerala). In this video by Team Arpo, he explains the story of the Malaya...
Song of Poomathai Ponnamma: Njattippattu
Listen to the captivating rendition of an old folk song performed by Madhavi Amma and her friends for northern Kozhikode. This heartfelt...
Watch: Breaking Barriers as the First Female Thirayattam Performer
Thirayattam, a traditional ritualistic dance form performed in the sacred groves of South Malabar, has long been a bastion of male...
The Beat of Tradition: Umesh PK's Thudi Resonates with Malavettuvar Folklore
Umesh PK, an award-winning artist from the Malavettuvar community in Kerala, shares his insights with ARPO regarding his community's...
Paathappattu- When a traditional death song inspired a super-hit movie song
About Paathappattu of Pulaya community that inspired the super-hit Malayalam movie song Pala Palli Puthuppalli in movie Kaduva
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