Myths and Cultural Identity

Exploring the Construction of Cultural Memory in the Backdrop of Kalamezhuthupattu

Abstract

Kalamezhuthupattu, like other ritual performances among the Hindu communities in Kerala, is deeply linked with myths. Since the right to perform or facilitate the ritual is vested in certain communities, the mythological narratives play a significant role in the identity formation of the communities concerned. The current study analyses the role of myths in the construction of cultural identity and its maintenance through cultural memory of certain communities in the context of the practice of Kalamezhuthupattu in central Kerala. The paper explores the myriad ways in which mythical narratives function as a tool of cultural identities and repositories of cultural memory that distinguish communities. Making use socio-functionalist mith-ritaulism, the study analyses how mythological narratives legitimise cultural practices, social structures, and facilitate social cohesion. Further, the paper addresses how they continue to serve as significant harbours for community identity and belonging. The study focuses on the origin myth of the ritual offered to Bhadrakali, and the links established through mythological narratives with the communities that have rightful roles in the performance of the ritual such as Kallatt Kurupp and Mannan.