DEVASTHA CALL: A RITUAL PERFORMANCE AMONG THE LATIN CATHOLICS OF KERALA: AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract (English)

Devastha Vili, or Devassa Vili, is a significant ritualistic art form practiced by the Latin Catholics of coastal Kerala, particularly during the 50-day Lent period. This prayer ritual, which originated in the 15th century through the evangelistic efforts of Francis Xavier in Cochin, is performed on Lent and is deeply intertwined with the Passion of Christ. Participants, dressed in black and adhering to strict penance and fasting, traverse the dimly lit pathways of their villages, chanting a Latin prayer led by an individual bearing a large wooden cross. The accompanying songs, a harmonious blend of Tamil and Malayalam, celebrate Christ and the Virgin Mary while also serving the purpose of casting out evil spirits. This paper seeks to explore the historical roots of Devastha Vili and critically examine its contemporary practice among the Latin Catholic community in Kerala, employing cultural anthropology to address the marginalization of traditional Christian art and literature.