Pookkavadi

Pookkavadi Folk Dance
Pookkavadi Folk Dance

The Pookkavadi ceremonial dance is mainly performed by the Kudumbi, Ezhava and Nair communities of Trichur district in Kerala. Pookkavadi literally means floral arches. This dance originated as a component of Ambalakkavadi, a religious procession in which the model of a temple is ceremonially carried. The dancers of Pookkavadi accompany the procession carrying on their heads or shoulders arch – like structures made of colorful paper flowers. The dancers dance in circular formation and in faster tempo. The dance enhances the grandeur of the procession.