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Theyyam is a traditional ritual dance form of Kerala. There are different types of Theyyam prevalent in the state. It represents a mythological, divine or heroic character. Depiction of Vishnumoorthi Theyyam is a major part of Vaishnava Theyyam. (more…)
UNESCO recognized Koodiyattom as human heritage art, is an important artform which is performed in the language of Sanskrit. 2000 year old theatre art form of Kerala and it still going strong- That is Koodiyattom for you. (more…)
Originated over 500 years ago, Kathakali is a spectacular art form of Kerala. It is a combination of drama, dance, music and ritual hence Kathakali can be called as a Dance Drama. Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. The word ‘Katha’ in Malayalam means Story and ‘kali’ means Play. Thus Kathakali literally means ‘Story-Play’ or enacted play. (more…)
Padayani organized only in Bhadrakali temples in Alappuzha, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam in Southern Kerala, Padayani festivities are secular in nature and celebrated by all, irrespective of caste or creed.
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Kummattikali procession is an integral part of Onam celebrations in Thrissur. Kummattikali is a ritual folk art performed backed by recital of folk songs and Kerala traditional musical instruments. The Kummatty Performance is called Kummattikali. Kummattikali is performed by men in groups wearing brightly painted wooden masks and costumes in grass. (more…)
Theyyam is considered to be one of the oldest ritualistic performing art forms and confined to the districts of northern Kerala. It is usually performed in temples, sacred groves/Kavus or ancestral homes. (more…)
Arjuna, the outstanding warrior, was also a master in dance and music. Arjuna Nritham is devoted to Arjuna, the diligent student of Guru Dhronacharya, whose power of concentration is well-known. Arjuna appeased Goddess Bhadrakali (the Hindu Goddess of Eternal Energy) through a devotional dance presentation and it is believed that this dance form was Arjuna Nritham.
Arjuna Nritham is also known as Mayilpeeli Nritham. The costume of this dance form is made up of Mayilpeeli or peacock feathers for which Lord Krishna has a special penchant, thereby symbolizing one of the facets of the relationship between Krishna and Arjuna. This ritual art form is performed throughout the night in the Bhagavathy temples of mainly Kollam and Alappuzha. (more…)
Pathanamthitta is famous and home land for the folk art Padayani. Padayani or Padeni in colloquial speech, is one of the most colourful and spectacular folk arts associated with the festivals of certain temples in Southern Kerala. Padayani literally means military formations or rows of army. However, in this folk art, a series of divine and semi divine impersonations wearing huge masks or Kolams of different shapes, colours and designs painted on the stalks of arecanut fronds. The most important of the Kolams usually presented in a padayani performance are ‘Bhairavi (Kali), Kolam (God of Death), Yakshi (Fairy), Pakshi (Bird) etc. It is the symbolic victory march of Goddess Kali, after she defeated the Asura chief Darika. The Kolam consists primarily of a huge head gear with many projections and devices with a mask for the face or a chest piece to cover the breast and abdomen of the performer. Drums called thappu and cymbals are used for musical support and the singers recite different poems for each kolam. The members of the Ganaka community traditionally paint the Kolams and Nairs perform the dance usually. The influence of Padayani can be clearly seen in the famous theatrical dance drama of Kerala, viz. Kathakali. (more…)
Muthappan Theyyam is supposedly an auspicious start to anything. 