In Kerala’s Palakkad district lies Valmuttikk colony, a village that transforms into a musical haven during Navratri. For nine consecutive nights, the entire village gathers to sing and play traditional instruments without any formal training or music education. Every evening, residents assemble at the Vishnu Mokar temple, turning the celebration into a vibrant community concert.
Tradition Passed Down Through Generations
Music in Valmuttikk isn’t taught in classrooms—it’s inherited. Children learn by watching their elders sing and play. The village’s musical legacy spans centuries, kept alive through oral tradition. Instruments and folk songs from the Sangam era, nearly 2200 years old, are still performed today.
Grandmothers as Guardians of Folk Songs
Women, especially grandmothers, play a vital role in preserving folk music. Daughters are now becoming music teachers, inspired by their elders. For instance, 72-year-old Tatamma received the Kerala Folklore Academy State Award in 2020 for her dedication to folk song preservation. Another elder, 75-year-old Devnai, was honored in 2021 for similar contributions.
A Village of Award-Winning Artists
Despite being labeled a backward and Dalit village, Valmuttikk is home to several state-level award winners, folk musicians, music teachers, and even playback singers. Their talent has finally earned them official recognition.
Declared a “Sangeet Gram”
In a historic move, the Chittur-Thathamangalam Municipality officially declared Valmuttikk a “Pattu Gramam” (Music Village)—the first of its kind in Kerala. The title acknowledges the village’s deep-rooted musical heritage and its unique identity where every resident is either a singer or musician.
The Panar Community’s Musical Legacy
Most villagers belong to the Panar community, whose ancestors were traditionally musicians performing in royal courts and temples. Anthropologist Bhaktavatsala Bharati notes that music was their ancestral profession, passed down without written texts, purely through practice and memory.
Learning by Listening
Residents like 10-year-old children begin singing simply by listening to their uncles and elders. As one villager shared, “I started singing at the age of 10 after hearing my uncle perform.” This organic learning method continues to shape generations of musicians.