<P> Poorakkali is a folk dance prevalent among the Ezhavas of Malabar, usually performed in Bhagavathy temples as a ritual offering during the month of Meenam (March--April). Poorakkali requires specially trained and highly experienced dancers, trained in Kalaripayattu, a system of physical exercise formerly in vogue in Kerala . Standing round a traditional lamp, the performers dance in eighteen different stages and rhythms, each phase called a niram . </P> <P> In northern Kerala, Teyyam is a popular ritual dance . This particular dance form is also known as Kaliyattam . The main deities of Ezhavas include Vayanattu Kulavan, Kativannur Viran, Pumarutan and Muttappan . </P> <P> Ezhavas adopted different patterns of behavior in family system across Kerala . Those living in southern Travancore tended to meld the different practices that existed in the other parts of Kerala . The family arrangements of northern Malabar were matrilineal with patrilocal property arrangements, whereas in northern Travancore they were matrilineal but usually matrilocal in their arrangements for property . Southern Malabar saw a patrilineal system but partible property . </P> <P> These arrangements were reformed by legislation, for Malabar in 1925 and for Travancore in 1933 . The process of reform was more easily achieved for the Ezhavas than it was for the Nairs, another Hindu caste in Kerala who adopted matrilineal arrangements; the situation for the Nairs was complicated by a traditional matrilocal form of living called taravadu and by their usually much higher degree of property ownership . </P>

Who popularized the idea of misrabhojanam among the ezhavas and other castes