The Kannadi Venpura Jikkaattam Kalaikuzhu is an eight-member ensemble dedicated to preserving and performing Jikkaattam, a rare and traditional folk art form native to Pollachi, in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. The group hails from the village of Avalampatti and is bound together not only by their deep passion for the art, but also by a shared heritage—they consider Jikkaattam to be an ancestral art form, one that has been passed down through multiple generations in their families. For them, performing this rhythmic and energetic form of dance and drumming is not merely an act of cultural expression, but a responsibility—a way to honour their roots and resist cultural erasure.
Jikkaattam, a folk performance known only to the Pollachi region, is named after the sound that defines it: the striking “jik-jik” rhythm made when sticks beat against drums in synchronized precision. It is both a musical and visual spectacle, combining elements of coordinated movement, percussive mastery, and storytelling. But despite its uniqueness and cultural richness, Jikkaattam has remained largely on the fringes of mainstream recognition. The crew, though talented and resilient, has found it difficult to bring this art form to larger platforms and gain the visibility it deserves.
When the Kannadi Venpura Jikkaattam Kalaikuzhu began performing in public spaces, they were not met with the applause they hoped for. Instead, they faced a tide of discouragement and social pressure. There were instances where the group was openly advised to stop pursuing the art altogether. One significant moment that remains etched in their collective memory is being asked to leave an important stage—an act that was not only humiliating, but emblematic of the cultural neglect that traditional artists often face. Ironically, this experience did not break them. On the contrary, it fueled their determination. One of the members reflects on that moment as a turning point, stating that being removed from that stage was what led them to grow into the tight-knit, determined crew they are today.
Their struggle has not been just artistic, but social and economic as well. Members of the troupe have had to make personal sacrifices, including resigning from stable jobs, in order to pursue their calling as full-time performers. Their journey has involved walking away from conventional livelihood options and embracing the uncertain life of an artist. And yet, through all the challenges, they have stood their ground. Their growth in the art space has brought them not only recognition but also respect within their community—something they once feared would be lost.
They speak openly about the deeply entrenched stigmas they had to confront—accusations that artists inevitably fall into alcoholism, or worse, that by continuing to perform, they would reveal their caste identities and be subjected to discrimination. These social perceptions, rooted in long-standing caste and class prejudices, attempted to silence them. But the group defied those stereotypes with grace and persistence. They not only resisted the labels imposed on them but also proved through their work and discipline that traditional performance does not equate to vice or shame.
Support from local audiences has played a vital role in keeping the group's spirits alive. Every performance, every cheer from a small village crowd, has been a source of encouragement. Though mainstream stages have been out of reach, the team has found validation and love from the people they perform for. In many of the places they’ve travelled to, the reception has been heartening. Communities have welcomed their art, appreciated their commitment, and encouraged them to continue.
Yet, the group acknowledges that Jikkaattam remains confined to a narrow geographic boundary. They believe that their region-based art form deserves greater visibility—not just within Tamil Nadu, but globally. Their dream is to see Jikkaattam recognized on the international stage, where its rhythm, history, and cultural importance can be truly appreciated.
The Kannadi Venpura Jikkaattam Kalaikuzhu is not just a folk troupe—they are cultural warriors. Their journey is one of resistance, resilience, and revival. In keeping alive a sound that was nearly silenced, they have reminded their community—and the world—that heritage is not meant to be hidden. It is meant to be heard, celebrated, and passed on. Through their unwavering dedication, they continue to strike the drums not only to create rhythm, but to echo a powerful message: that every tradition, no matter how marginalised, has a place on the world stage.
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