The sinuous dance of the enchantress,
this is a distinctive classical dance form of Kerala. Slow,
graceful, swaying movements of the body and limbs and highly
emotive eye and hand gestures are unique to this dance form.
The simple, elegant gold-filigreed dress, in pure white
or ivory, is akin to the traditional attire of the women
of Kerala. The origin of Mohiniyattom is rooted in Hindu
mythology. Once the ocean of milk was churned by the gods
and demons to extract the elixir of life and immortality.
The demons made away with this divine brew.
Lord Vishnu came to the rescue
of the panicky gods and assumed the female form of an amorous
celestial dame Mohini. Captivating the demons with her charms,
Mohini stole the elixir from them and restored it to the
gods. This dance was adopted by the Devadasi or temple dancers,
hence also the name 'Dasiattam' which was very popular during
the Chera reign from 9th to 12th century.
South
India Tour Packages
Best of Karnataka Tour (Duration
: 8 Days)
(Mumbai - Bangalore - Mysore - Hassan - Bangalore -
Mumbai)
