Madras HC allowed karagattam at a Tiruchirappalli temple fest but told dancers to follow the traditional dress code shown in the 1989 film Karagattakaran, not the newer “obscene” outfits. Court stressed the dance’s cultural roots and linked it to offerings for Mariamman.

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NewsLegalYes to ‘karagattam’ but stick to outfits from 1989 movie: Madras High Court allows traditional folk dance at temple festival
Yes to ‘karagattam’ but stick to outfits from 1989 movie: Madras High Court allows traditional folk dance at temple festival
The Madras High Court pointed out that ‘karagattam’, a Tamil traditional folk dance, is performed as an offering to the rain goddess Mariamman.
Written by: Richa Sahay
4 min read
New Delhi
Mar 10, 2026 03:10 PM IST

Karagattakaran (1989) was based on the story of two folk dancers and had the famous song “Maanguyilae poonguyile”. (Credit: Thenappan P – Shree Raajalakshmi Films official YT channel)
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Madras High Court news: The Madras High Court recently permitted the performance of the traditional Tamil folk dance ‘karagattam‘ during a temple festival in Tiruchirappalli, while directing that the dancers adhere to the traditional dress code depicted in the iconic Tamil film Karagattakaran.

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Justice L Victoria Gowri was hearing the plea of one A Vaithiyanathan, seeking permission to conduct the cultural event of karagattam and expressed concern over the attire used by performers in this traditional folk dance.

Justice L Victoria Gowri was hearing the plea of one A Vaithiyanathan.
The petitioner stated that the dance is to be performed on March 8 on the eve of Thiruvizha, scheduled from March 8 to March 10 at Arulmigu Kaligaparameshwari Temple.

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“The third respondent, the police, is directed to permit the petitioner to conduct ‘Karagattam‘ alone on 08.03.2026. It is made clear that the proper dress code, as displayed in the Tamil Movie ‘Karagattakaran’, should be followed by the dancers while performing Karagattam,” the Madras High Court said in its March 6 order.

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Iconic Tamil film
Karagattakaran (1989), starring Ramarajan and Kanaka, is a popular Tamil film centred on karagattam dancers. The film, known for its portrayal of the traditional folk dance, became a major commercial success and remains culturally significant in Tamil Nadu.
‘Deep-rooted in Tamil culture’
The government advocate argued that the dress code for the dance has become obscene in recent times, deviating from the traditional dress code.
However, the traditional dance of karagattam should not be distorted either in the mode of dancing or in the mode of dressing up.
The high court talked at length about the significance of this dance form and mentioned that it is one of the most cherished dance forms of Tamil culture.
The ‘karakattam’ dance, also known as karagattam, a traditional folk dance popular in Tamil Nadu, is performed as an offering to the rain goddess, Mariamman.
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The dance is characterised by its unique feature of balancing pots or pitchers on the dancer’s head while performing intricate movements.
This balance and dance requires immense skill and concentration.
Karagattam is typically accompanied by traditional Tamil music and involves vibrant costumes, rhythmic steps, and graceful body movements.
Hence, this art form is deeply rooted in Tamil Nadu’s culture.
Traditionally, karakattam performers are known for their acrobatic skills, which include balancing w
[11/03, 07:59] Meta AI: Madras HC allowed karagattam at a Tiruchirappalli temple fest but told dancers to follow the traditional dress code shown in the 1989 film Karagattakaran, not the newer “obscene” outfits. Court stressed the dance’s cultural roots and linked it to offerings for Mariamman.