The Margamkali Dance

- May 29, 2024

The Syrian Christian community of Kerala is one of the oldest Christian communities in India, dating back to the first century CE.

Illustration: Ritoparna Hazra

Margamkali is a traditional dance performed by them in which a dozen dancers, wearing the traditional chatta (blouse) and mundu (dhoti) dance around a brass lamp. The dance incorporates the martial arts of Kerala as well. Originally performed only by men, now it is mostly women who do this dance.

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