What is "brahmanippattu"

Brahmanippattu is a type of domestic devotional offering performed usually in connection with marriages. Women of Pushpaka Brahmin (Ambalavasi) caste Hindus called Brahmanis or Pushpinis alone are entitled to do it.

In the dance, the women stand round a decorated stool on which some symbolic representation of Bhagavathy is placed. They then sing devotional songs to the rhythm of the beating of bronze plates. These songs were sung mainly for the blessings of Goddess Kali and Durga. Gradually the songs ascend in pitch and the women dance in ecstasy.

For instance, the lyrics of a Brahmanippaattu is as follows:-

"Dārikane Nigrahichu, Dārikapuram

Kudiyarutikondālente Bhagavatiyo!"