Villu Paatu

"Villu Paatu" (or 'Bow Song' as translated in English, Villu means Bow) is an ancient form of musical story-telling art of southern Tamil Nadu. "Villu Paatu" has been especially popular in Thovalai and neighbouring areas of Kanyakumari district.

Bow, the age-old weapon of warriors - paradoxically lends itself to be used as a primary musical instrument for the "Villu Pattu" artists.

There are also "Udukku", "Kudam", "Thala", "Kattai", which are used as supplementary instruments in performances. "Udukku", mentioned in the ancient Tamil literature as "Thudi", is a small drum with a slender middle portion which is held in the left hand and played by the fingers of the right hand. Occasionally, the "Villu Pattu" team divides itself into two groups, each trying to prove opposite points-of-view of a subject. This is called "Lavani Pattu". The songs used by the "Villu Pattu" artists are mostly traditional folk-songs.They are played during occasions of temple festivals in villages. The songs sung mostly in "Villu Paatu" praise a god or tell a story. These days the number of artists performing "Villu Paatu" is tremendously reduced as the income earned from it is never enough for running one's life.