Kerala Dances

Kerala has a rich repertoire of folk dances. They reflect the temperaments and moods of the localities in music and costumes and are highly developed. Religious coloring is mostly seen in almost all of these folk dances, even in those performed in connection with harvests, sowing of seeds festivals etc. Men alone, some exclusively by women, perform many of these dance forms. There are also dances in which men and women perform together. Most of the folk dances are performed to the accompaniment of songs, which are sung by the dancers themselves or occasionally by a group of musicians. Some are performed to the accompaniment of musical instruments only. In several dances the performers form a circle and clap as they dance. Sometimes, instead of clapping they strike small sticks, which they hold in their hands. The costumes and ornaments are peculiar to the places to which they belong. In these folk dances there is no difference between the performers and the audience. Almost all of these dances are simple but beneath this simplicity are a profundity of conception is a directness of expression, which are of a high artistic order.

Kathakali

The classical dance form of Kerala has its origins in folk dances, which became more sophisticated and stylized as it evolved into the classical dance performed today. Kathakali is characterized by its elaborate costume, which includes multiple layers of clothing and ornate headgear. The stories performed are all episodes from the epics, including the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The faces of the heroic characters in Kathakali are painted green in color, the villains and demons are painted black and the women's faces are painted yellow. Performances often begin in the evening and can go on all night......>>more

Kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu is the comprehensive system of martial arts if Kerala, regarded as one of the oldest and most scientific in the world. Kalaripayattu training aims at the ultimate co-ordination of mind and body. The traditional training in a Kalari includes specialisation in indigenous medical practices too. Kalaris are also centres of religious worship........>>more

Theyyam or Kaliyattom

Theyyam other wise known as kaliyattom, is an ancient socio-religious ceremony performed in Kerala since very remote times. socio-religious ceremony performed in Kerala since very remote times. As the word kaliyattom denotes this is a sacred dance performance for kali. Kaliyattom is sometimes called Theyyattom because every thera or village was duly bound to perform it. In ancient times every village of Kerala has its own common shrine called Kavu and it was imperative to have kaliyattom performed in front of it. As the word kali has also the meaning of safety in Malayalam, Kaliyattom may have the significance of a sacred dance for social or family safety.

Kalampattu

Kalampattu (kalamezhuthu pattu) is another folk art form that belongs to the northern regions of Kerala. This art form which is over 600years old is performed by a group of five to fifteen people in Bhadrakali and Ayyappa temples. The rituals is performed around the kolam -an elaborate picture, usually of Bhadrakali, drawn on the floor, using five colours.The performance in the light of temple torches lasts through the night. The singers are neatly dressed with women wearing their hair on the side of the head. A series of songs (kalampattu) are sung to the accompaniment of nanthuni and elathalam.

Kavadiyattam

Kavadiyattam is a ritual dance offering in Subramanya temples. The group of devotees wearing bright yellow or saffron costumes with ash smeared all over the body, dance in a frenzy carrying Kavadis on their shoulders. Kavadis are colourful bow shaped wooden structures rising six to ten feet high. The ambalakavadi is structured and decorated like a temple. The Pookavadi has clusters of colourful paper, cloth or plastic flowers arranged on them. The resounding beats of percussion instruments like udukku and chenda and the nadaswaram are characteristic of the kavadi procession

Kaliyoottu

Kaliyoottu is an eight day long colourful folk ritual which re-enacts the combat between goddess Durga and the demon Darika. The ritual is performed in different stages. The climax of the play- the ritual called paranettu- is performed on a specially constructed 100 feet high stage on the eight day.

Mudiyettu

Mudiyettu is ritualistic dance springing form the Bhagavathy cult. The theme depicts the glory and triumph of Bhagavathy over the demon Darika. The characters are all heavily made up with gorgeous costumes, intricate and elaborate and with conventional facial paintings, tall head - gears etc. Attired and adorned exotically with a unique weirdness and hideousness, the characters seem quit supernatural. Their mien and array make them colorful, imposing and awe-inspiring in the extreme. The dance is performed by a set of people known as Kuruppanmar, mainly in Bhadrakali temple. In the dance, a kolam of Kali first made up to which floral offerings and other rituals are made. Then it is taken round the temple to the accompaniment of percussion instruments. The kolam is then installed in a suitable place. The dance proper is then enacted. In the first part Narada, the celestial sage, is seen informing Lord Shiva of the evil deeds of the demon Darika, and the consequent sufferings of the evil deeds of the demon Darika, and the consequent sufferings of the people. Shiva agrees to send Bhadrakali to kill Darika. In the next phase, Bhadrakali and Darika enter and the whole temple yard is turned into a battle - field. In the end Bhadrakali kills Darika. Chenda and elathalam are the instruments used