A dance form which teaches us simplicity amidst the grandeur of
Indian celebrations is Kummi, from Tamil Nadu.
This folk art form originated in the prehistoric period, long before
musical instruments were invented. The word "Kummi" comes from
the Tamil word "Kommai" which means dancing with clapping
hands. A group of women usually perform this. It involves basic
dance steps and hand movements, the women clap their hands to
the rhythm of the 'Kummi song', bend down, move forward,
backward and continue in a repetitive dancing routine. It is usually
performed during festivals of harvest like Pongal. They also form
small groups to perform this during childbirths and Manjal Neeratu
Vizhaa (a celebration when a young girl reaches puberty). Basically,
it is performed during all joyful events to express their delight in a
simple yet elegant way. Generally, only women perform this. But in
some parts of Tamil Nadu, the men also join holding sticks. The
men of the community form a large outer circle dancing with sticks
and the women form a smaller inner circle. What attracts people
here is the fact that the men and women dance matching each
other's rhythm without any sophisticated musical instruments.
There is no fixed costume here, women usually drape colourful
Sarees, and young girls wear Dhavani. A main singer takes the lead
in singing their favourite or most appropriate song for the occasion
while the others dance only to the melodies singing, the sounds of
the sticks and the clapping of hands.

I feel this folk art really stands out because it is exceptionally
minimalistic. It involves no fancy equipment, instruments or
costumes, that's why I think Kummi teaches us to be satisfied with
the little things in life. We should learn to acknowledge the small
moments of joy amidst our busy 'civilised' lives. We are a globalised
society now. Nobody can argue with the fact that there is a huge
difference between us and our ancestors. But there is a chance, a
choice we should now make to recognise and enjoy art forms like
Kummi. Think about it, isn't it more beautiful to spend your weekend learning about an ancient art form rather than binging the
same Netflix series?