VAALAKAM
Vaalakam means a "life style". It focuses on simple humour. This originated as a
ritual associated with the Gauramma festival. On this occasion the deity Gauramma is
brought to the center of the village in the form of Ghatam and is prayed with
offerings. The ritual of vaalakam follows this.
A villager is painted in Black spots and is
tied a large palmirah leaf as a tail which is set afire. The person ten makes fun of,
scolds and even punishes at times the gathering by touching with the burning leaf. He also
imitates a few prominent people of the village by their walk, gait, mannerisms of speech
etc., as reflected by the general opinion of the public about them.
This is seen as a mode of entertainment
focussing on simple humour and not an attempt to satirise or slander a person and thus is
received in a sportive mood.
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