The Kaikottikali dance, performed by women in a circle around a lighted lamp, is performed to celebrate which festival?

Kaikottikali (also called Thiruvathirakali) is a graceful group dance of Kerala, performed by women. It is especially performed during Onam, the state festival of Kerala, and also during the Thiruvathira festival in the month of Dhanu.

The name Kaikottikali comes from "kai" (hand), "kottu" (clap) and "kali" (play or dance), meaning "the dance of clapping hands". In this dance, a group of women, dressed in the traditional Kerala sari, the off-white "kasavu" (set mundu) with a golden border, and with flowers in their hair, dance in a circle around a lit traditional lamp (nilavilakku), often placed near a floral carpet (pookalam). They move with simple, graceful steps, bending and swaying, while clapping their hands rhythmically. The dancers sing traditional songs, called "Thiruvathira paattu", which are often about the stories of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the legend of King Mahabali, or the beauty of nature. One woman usually leads the singing, and the others follow. There are no musical instruments; the rhythm is created by the clapping and the songs. The dance expresses joy, togetherness and the spirit of the festival.

Onam is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September) to welcome the legendary King Mahabali, who is believed to visit his people once a year. Other cultural activities during Onam include the pookalam (floral carpet), the Onasadya (feast), the Vallam Kali (snake boat races), the Pulikali (tiger dance), the Kummattikali (mask dance), the Onathallu (a martial game) and the Thumbi Thullal (a dance by women).

Why not the other options?

• ✗Christmas is celebrated by Christians in December.
• ✗Diwali is celebrated in Kerala mainly as Naraka Chaturdashi.
• ✗Holi is celebrated mainly in North India.