Relevance of protecting the earth, water and the sky were narrated in these preaching songs. These are songs of human beings who were communicating with their lands, plants and creatures..
Nadan Pattu - The Song of Life
Folk songs, were originated from the philosophies of forefathers which was their casual talks to each other. It is deeply rooted with their lives. They produced these songs from their livelihood which was farming. Most of the lyrics of these songs were made out of their social life. They sung only to reduce their burden and to discover the joy of life. The songs were the expressions of their inner lives. There was no language barriers while they were singing. Nothing restricted them from communicating each other through these songs.
With the changing of social scenario, the presentation styles of folk songs too changed. Now a days it is transformed and restructured in to a systematic music rendering form. These songs were normally used in variety social activities like farming, festivals, marriage functions, rituals etc.
Relevance of protecting the earth, water and the sky were narrated in these preaching songs. These are songs of human beings who were communicating with their lands, plants and creatures.
This is a folk art form sung for propitiate the blessings of the god. Most of these songs were rendering for hundreds of years. Thus the language is changed. Today, these folk songs had a lyrical format and very popular all over in Kerala. Several musical institutions are formed to promote and popularize this art form. The governments of Kerala is supporting this art form whole heartedly. The department of cultural affairs, under the union government is giving financial assistance to these institutions considering their dedicated efforts. Now a days folk songs are a favorite stage performance among people of Kerala.
The presentation of these folk songs are done by both men and women. Several musical instruments are used in the background to support the vocalists. Sometimes, in between the rendering some characters may enter in to the frame to catch the attraction of the audience. Somehow most of them are either animals or birds which looks very colorful and attractive. It also adds a new flavor to the performance.
Today’s most folk songs are very rhythmic and an energy booster to the audience. With the increasing tempo of the songs, the audience will dance along with the performers.
C.J.Kuttappan, the former chairman of Kerala folklore academy is a pioneer in this art form.Kuttappan who hails from Thodupuzha, had rediscovered many valuable songs from the old pockets. His contribution towards the art form is priceless.Kuttappan’s innovative thinking and foresight are really played a huge part in popularizing this art form in the state of Kerala. By following his footsteps, now a days many youngsters arrived in the scenario of folk songs.
