Don’t you know about the Mohiniyattam costume? Mohiniyattam costume is a key element of Mohiniyattam dance. Mohiniyattam is one of the best dances in Kerala. It is made in India and also it has a history. There are various things to know about Mohiniyattam and its costume. Mohiniyattam has its significance in India. To learn more about Mohiniyattam costumes, read this blog. It might be useful for you and your dancer friends.
About Mohiniyattam Dance
Mohiniyattam is an Indian classical dance started in Kerala. The word Mohiniyattam comes from Mohini, an avatar of lord Vishnu. The word aattam refers to great body movements. At the time of Samudra Manthan, lord Vishnu took the avatar of Mohini. It is based on the lasya style of natya shastra. Mohiniyattam Dance is known for its eros-filled movements and femininity. It is a solo dance by women.
It requires a great level of training and practice. Mohiniyattam Dance includes Carnatic-style music as well as its lyrics are in Malayalam Sanskrit mixed language. The dancers present a storyline with movements. The dance represents feminine beauty and grace. The Mohiniyattam costume plays an important role in the Mohiniyattam dance.
Revival of Mohiniyattam
Mohiniyattam suffered various challenges but it has the potential to come back that’s why it is here now. Mohiniyattam is a dance that represents storytelling, graceful movements, and music. During the colonial period, it faced various challenges. It was an important part of the Devadasi system at that time. This Mohiniyattam Dance was banned from 1931 to 1938 also its practice was banned. After that, efforts and renewed interest helped in the reconstruction of Mohiniyattam. The credit for the revival and reconstruction of Mohiniyattam goes to poet Vallathol Narayana.
Mohiniyattam Costume
There is another level of beauty that the Mohiniyattam costume offers. When the dancers wore the complete dress, the dance became more attractive. The important elements which make the dress complete and beautiful are given below.
- Saree– it is an important garment, it is a plain white saree with golden laced embroidery. It is the primary and essential garment.
- Choli– it is important to wear a matching blouse or choli to enhance the look of the saree. Dancers match saris colors and designs with blouses.
- Pleated cloth– The draping of the sari plays an important role, and plates are an important part of the Mohiniyattam costume.
- Golden waist belt– the belt enhances the look of the Mohiniyattam costume as well as makes the dancer’s waist look more elegant.
- Jewelry– to improve the look, jewelry plays a key role. Add necklaces, earrings, hair ornaments, and bangles.
- Gungroo– ghungroo helps to enhance rhythmic footwork sounds while performing on stage. It is very important to perform.
- Red color– red color helps to give focus on feet and fingers. Dancers use red colors or natural dyes to highlight feet and fingers.
Where to Buy Mohiniyattam Costume
There are many ways to buy your Mohiniyattam costume, directly go to any of the costume tailor or stitch your dress. It is one of the best ways to buy a costume, according to your preference. There are many online stores like Bharatnatyam World and more, explore them for better options. There are also various options available on Amazon, go and check Amazon for costumes, it will provide the best options under your budget. Take help from experienced dancers.
Conclusion
Mohiniyattam is a well-known classical dance from Kerala. Mainly it was performed by women it shows aesthetics and elegance. It involves a storyline with movement. The word Mohiniyattam is a combination of two words, Mohini and aattam. Mohini is the avatar of lord Vishnu and aattam means good body movements. The Mohiniyattam dance is completed with a Mohiniyattam costume. Its costume includes sarees, jewelry, red color, and more. It is easy to buy Mohiniyattam costumes. Mohiniyattam’s journey is not that easy, it faced various challenges. It was also banned for some time during the colonial British era.
FAQs
Q. What kind of makeup goes with the Mohiniyattam dance?
A. The natural beauty goes well with the Mohiniyattam dance as well and natural makeup also goes perfectly. Eyes should be highlighted more.
Q. What are the costumes of Kathakali?
A. Kathakali involves costumes such as pacca, minukku, teppu, katti, kari, tati and payuppu. All of these are costumes of Kathakali.
Q. What is the significance of Mohiniyattam?
A. During the time of Samudra Manthan when Asura cheats on Dev, lord Vishnu comes in the avatar of Mohini to make asuras fool.
Q. Which is known as the national costume of India?
A. Dhoti for men and saree with a blouse for women is called the national costume of India. Both male and female there are different national costumes.
Q. Why was Mohiniyattam restricted?
A. During the 18th century, Mohiniyattam showed up as a devadasi system. That’s why during the British Raj it was banned and its practice restricted.
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