Lavani is a musical debate of
Tamil Nadu. According to mythology,
Lord Kama (god of love) was burnt to ashes by the flames emitted from the third eye of
Lord Shiva. This myth is the subject of debate in Lavani. One group argues that Lord Kama was burnt, while the other group opposes the idea by saying that it was not actually the Lord, but the sensual desire that was actually destroyed. This debate is held through the medium of songs and music.
Songs are replete with references to ancient scripts and mythologies. The debate, which lasts for a whole night, is a good source of entertainment for the public who enjoy the fluency of thoughts and speech exhibited by the performers. On the conclusion of the performance, an effigy of Lord Kama is burnt.
