Kanthaketiya Kamandi - a documentary film

"Kanthaketiya - Kamandi " A unique ritual Tradition of Kandaketiya (malayagam) People's : The Tamil Speaking people's of this srilankan region was migrated from South India (they were bought here by the Britishers as a labour force to work in their Tea, Coffee, Rubber plantations.); and have since become permanent settlers of this area. They continue to maintain their Indian tamil identity even among the Tamils of Sri Lanka, through their dialect, rituals, performance and social behavior. Kaman Festival’, still maintain their close relationship with ancient ritual patterns. This is an important performance in the name of Indian tamil identity. This Film capturing the Living culture of this Group people and how they celebrating this festival with affection of nature. The festival starts with fixing the ‘Kaman’ pole. The person who is well versed in all the aspects of this form is called the ‘Kamandi master’. The performers and those who wish to fulfil their vows observe fasting. A rich and elaborate ritual and ceremony is observed while fixing the ‘Kaman pole’. The major element of this festival is ‘Koothu’ (a dance) starts first in front of the ‘Kaman pole’; then it is performed in front of houses and shopping centres. Kaman, Rathi and Shiva are the important character of this ‘Koothu’. There are two types of songs in this ‘koothu’- one is lamentation and the other ‘Lavani’ – a form of poetry. Mathan and Rathi should get in to a state of trance. When they fail to fall into trance the ‘Master’ would sing. Lamentations in a high pitch to a fast beat, till they get trance. Song and dance are its main elements. Art and devotion play equal part in it. Love, courage and pathos are its main emotions. Every year March month is the regular festival session. The dates will decide by peoples of Kanthaketiya according the situations of estate. Film by YAAZH THEATRE AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION, Puducherry, India Camera & Editing : DANASU . S Script & Direction: G. GOBI