Arayar Natanam is a dance performed in the temples dedicated to
Lord Vishnu in
Tamil Nadu. It is held during the months of December-January.
This dance involves a group of musicians and a dancer. These artists are known as ‘Arayar’. They wear a special conical cap called ‘kireetam’.
Arayar Natanam depicts the youthful pranks played by Lord Krishna. Sacred hymns called ‘Thiruvaimozhi’ are recited during the performance of the dance. The chanting is accompanied by the sounds of the cymbals and occasional greetings of the lord. The dancer assumes various postures according to the narration.
