The Mavilar tribal community living in the hilly areas of Kasargod and Kannur districts of North Malabar celebrates one of it’s popular art forms, Eruthukali during the tenth day of Thula masam (the month of November) every year. ‘Eruthu’ refers to the big bull, while ‘kali’ in malayalam refers to the art form.
Played for the sole purpose of entertainment, the prime aspect of this art form is the ‘Eduppukala’, an idol of a bull with a wooden head, made of bamboo sticks, straw, cloth and hay. The mavilers go up and down in a procession from one house to another, swinging rhythmically, carrying the bullock. There is singing and dancing. The performers are also given gifts by the families. The commonly used instruments for the art form include Chenda and Ilathalam. Chendamela is accompanied by dancing. Eruthukali has a special kind of polichim song based on the dance steps of the bull figure. Most of them are songs in praise of their superiors.
Songs about agriculture are sung at the beginning of the entertainment. The Mavilers enter the houses of the Janmi and come down as Bhikshamdehis.
In the former days, the local lords and janmis went to the Subrahmanyam Kovil to buy plow bullocks. This ritual originated from bringing Mavilan as a bull with musical instruments to prevent the evil eye. Tulam Patam became a ritual of accepting alms and money by garlanding bulls and sheep. About seven members should be a part of the performance. The celebration lasts for several days.