A folk dance from Southern Tamil Nadu, Oyilaatam is performed with much grace mostly by men, who dance waving coloured handkerchiefs from their hands. A rural art form mostly performed during festivals, Oyilaatam is accompanied by the Tavil (drums) and folk songs.

Also watch: Kali dances - Thappattam

Kali dances - Karagattam


Aparna Karthikeyan
aparna.m.karthikeyan@gmail.com

Aparna Karthikeyan is an independent journalist, author and Senior Fellow, PARI. Her non-fiction book 'Nine Rupees an Hour' documents the disappearing livelihoods of Tamil Nadu. She has written five books for children. Aparna lives in Chennai with her family and dogs.

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