Parayanthira is a ritual dance conducted in connection with festivals in Bhagavathy temples. It is mainly performed by the Paraya community. The concept is that the devil-aide of goddess
Bhadrakali performs this dance after the death of Darika. The make-up of the Bhadrakali consists of peculiar costumes. The large headgears, projecting eyes, high-ridged noses, protruding tongues, flowing black hair behind the pleated skirts and overcoats all make the dancers completely supernatural. The performers execute a variety of dances to the rhythmic beat of different folk drums.
