Mayilattam (Tamil: மயிலாட்டம்) is an artistic and religious form of dance performed in the Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in reverence to Murugan, a regional form of the Hindu deity Kartikeya. Literally translating as the "peacock dance", the performers seat themselves upon a peacock replica, which is the mount of the deity.
Description
Mayilattam performers wear costumes from head to toe with headdresses and peacock feathers, that can be opened and closed using a thread, and perform specific dances. The performers dance on a tall piece of wood attached at the end of their feet. This dance is performed in all Murugan temples as a tradition during festivals. The number of Mayilattam performers is decreasing due to financial reasons.