Margamkali is a traditional ritual folk art of which state?

Margamkali is a traditional group dance of the Saint Thomas Christians (Syrian Christians) of Kerala, especially the Knanaya community. The name means "the dance of the way" (margam means "way" or "path", referring to the Christian path of salvation). It is one of the oldest Christian folk art forms in India.

Features of Margamkali:

• It is performed mainly by women (traditionally it was also performed by men), usually a group of 12 dancers representing the 12 apostles of Jesus.
• The dancers move in a circle around a traditional brass oil lamp (nilavilakku), which symbolises Jesus Christ.
• They dance in rhythm with clapping hands, without musical instruments, while singing songs.
• The songs (Margamkali Pattu) tell the story of the arrival of Saint Thomas the Apostle in Kerala in 52 CE, his preaching and miracles, and the founding of churches.
• The dancers wear the traditional white chatta (blouse) and mundu (dhoti) with gold borders, and jewellery.

Margamkali is performed at weddings, church festivals and other celebrations of the Christian community. It is included as an item in the Kerala School Kalolsavam (state youth festival), which has helped keep it alive.

Other Christian art forms of Kerala include Chavittu Nadakam (a Latin Christian musical drama). Other Kerala dance forms include Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Thiruvathirakali, Oppana (Muslim wedding dance) and Theyyam (a ritual dance).

Why not the other options?

• ✗Goa is known for Dekhni, Fugdi and Mando.
• ✗Karnataka is known for Yakshagana and Dollu Kunitha.
• ✗Tamil Nadu is known for Bharatanatyam and Karakattam.