Among the most magical experiences a visitor to Kerala can have is to witness one of the art forms that play such an important part in the cultural life of the region. One among the India’s most prevalent art form Kathakali, originated in Kerala still fills the concert halls across the globe. Kathakali, Kuttiyattam, and Teyyam, remain integral to temple worship of Kerala. If you are lucky enough to watch an authentic performance, you will never forget it. The stamina of the performers and the sight of an audience sitting up all night to see the climax of a dance drama at dawn is a remarkable spectacle.

Kathakali : This traditionally and internationally acclaimed dance form is a perfect replica of the culture and the life in Kerala. The bright colors, the beautiful songs and the graceful movements of the dancers succeed in making the audience spellbound.

Chavittunatakom : Kerala being the home of various castes, it nourishes Chavittunatakom, a Christian art form. Its roots trace back to the early years of Portuguese Colonization in 16 AD.

Oppana : Giving a freedom of expression to the dancing feet of the Malabar Muslims is the Oppana, which has become an essentiality to wedding entertainment and festivities.

Krishnanattom : A feast to eyes of both, the ignorant farmer and a scholastic king, Krishnanattom gives its audience a feeling of awe and wonder through its varied and colorful facial make up.

Mohiniyattom: A soothing and heartwarming dance involving the enchanting, slow but graceful swaying of the dancers, Mohiniyattom has a mark of its own in Kerala.

Kakkarissi Natakom : Giving life to the mythological puranas of Lord Siva and his consort Parvati, this is a dance-drama projecting satire.

Thiruvathirakali : A graceful dance performed by the women of Kerala on the Thiruvathira day of Chingom Month, Thiruvathirakali, is danced to pray to Gods for everlasting marital bless.

Kolkkali : A rhythmic and music to ears, experience during the festival of Onam, Kolkkali is folk art of the agrarian classes, mainly in Malabar.

Chakkyarkoothu : Earliest known histrionic art of Kerala. It is believed to have been introduced into Kerala by the early Aryan immigrants and the earliest written reference to this art is found in the Tamil epic chilappathikaram, which was composed by the Kerala prince Ilangoadikal in the second century AD. The texts used for the exposition of the art are epics and puranas written in Sanskrit. The exposition is enlivened by numerous witty analogies and illusions to topical, political and social events.

Koodiyattom : There is yet another way in which the chakkyar can present his art. Instead of solo performance by a lone chakkyar, a no of performers get together and stage a dance drama of sorts. Such a performance is known as koodiyattom. The Koodiyattom art was encouraging much by the perumals, who ruled over Kerala until the eight century AD. The names of Kulasekhara Perumal, Bhaskara Ravi Varma Perumal and Cheraman Perumal, in particular, are remembered with reverence for the considerable patronage they gave to the art.

Thullal : Another verity of dance that survives to this day is the Thullal. This is onemanshow done during temple festivals. It combines dance with the talented narration of stories in verses. There are three types of Thullal dance- the ottan, parayan and seethankan of which ottan thullal is the most popular one, These dances owe their origin to Kunchan Nambiar, one of the foremost poes of Kerala.

Duffmuttu : A group dances of the Maplahs of Malabar. It is very similar to Kolkali. It is a powerful group dance among the Muslims of Malabar

Margamkali : Margamkali is an entertainment form found among Suriyani Christian (Syrian Christian) folk in Kerala state, South India. Margamkali is a slant imitation of Sangamkali. The Christian soldiers used to pass time engaged in Margamkali and the subject usually is the arrival of Mar Thoma and his efforts to convert other people to Christianity in Kerala.

Ashtapadi Attom : This was popular dance form based on the Gita Govinda of Jayadeva. It was more of a dramatic representation of the renowned lyrical play. Altogether there are only five characters, Krishna, Radha, and three females. This form is now almost extinct (instruments chenda, maddalam, elathalam, chengala)

Patakom : This is another dance form similar to the Koothu in its technical content. But here the dance element is almost given up and the narration is done through an alternating prose and song sequences, the gestures being retained. A new literary form called Champu, which accommodated more and more of Malayalam idiom and vocabulary was used as text for Patakom. Literally means dissertation, Patakom is performed by Nambiyars even outside temple precincts.

The dancer has a red head-dress and on the wrist a red silk. There are garlands around the neck and sandal paste lines across the forehead.

Ramanattom : Legends have it that as an offshoot of the rivalry between the Zamorin and the Raja of Kottarakara. The later created the Ramanattom. The dance - drama on the life of Rama. It was also for serial enactment on eight successive days.

Here facial abhinaya and hand gestures were given more importance. The songs were all in Malayalam. In course of time the masks were discarded and a richer variety in facial make up was developed. It was this Ramanattom that developed into Kathakali

Kerala has a rich verity of folk dances. They are highly developed and reflected and the temperaments and moods of the localities in music and costume. Nature silently and unobtrusively has molded these dances just as the lives of people who dance them. Religious coloring is seen in almost all of these folk dances, even in those performed in connection with harvests, sowing of seeds, festivals etc., so much so that their secular nature is always at doubt. There is difficulty in classifying these dances as social, religious and martial.


Man alone, some exclusively by women, performs many of these dances. There are also dances in which men and women perform together. Most of folk dances are performed to the accompaniment of songs, which are sung by the dancers themselves or occasionally by a group of musicians. Some dances performed to the accompaniment of musical instruments only.

Cherumarkali : Cherumarkali is a harvest dance in which the dancers, both men and women move in a swift rhythm, linked in a back lock or holding arms. The costumes are in striking red and white.

Kaalavela : Kaalavela is a spectacular procession of huge, gaudily decorated motifs of bulls (kaala.)

Theyyam : Theyyam is one of the most outstanding folk arts of Kerala and has its origin in the northern parts of the state. Also called Thirayattam, (because every thira or village performed this ritualistic art at the village temple) this primitive ritualistic art demands long hour’s preparation before the performance. TheTheyyam (a form or shape) represents a mythological, divine or heroic character. There are over 350 Theyysma in northern Kerala.

Kalampattu : Kalampattu (kalamezhuthu pattu) is another folk art form that belongs to the northern regions of Kerala. This art form that is over 600years old is performed by a group of five to fifteen people in Bhadrakali and Ayyappa temples. The rituals are performed around the kolam -an elaborate picture, usually of Bhadrakali, drawn on the floor, using five colors. 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.

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 specialization in indigenous medical practices too. Kalaris are also centers of religious worship.

Kaliyoottu : Kaliyoottu is an eight daylong colorful 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.

Kanniyarkali : Kanniyarkali (Deshathukali) which is a ritual art and a swift dance form, performed to the accompaniment of devotional folk songs and the resounding drum beats is usually performed in Bhagavathy temples.

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.

Kettukazhcha : Kettukazhcha is a spectacular pageant of colorfully decorated effigies of gods and goddesses, and images of animals like the horse, bull etc.

Kolkali : Kolkali is a group dance form of the farming community in Kerala. Twelve to twenty four dancers move rhythmically in a circle around the ceremonial lamp, tapping the two feet long wooden sticks held in their hands.

Kummattikali : Kummattikali is a temple folk art and an awe-inspiring mask dance.

Kumbhamkali Kumbhamkali / kumbhamthullal (pot dance) : is a folk ritual dance of devotees carrying pots on the head.

Kuthiottam : Kuthiottam is a ritual art exclusive to the Devi temples of south Kerala. A team of artistes perform this song and dance ritual. The songs include those in praise of

Durga and other deities, Padapattu (war songs) and Kalaripattu (martial art songs). Instrumental accompaniments are mainly percussions, ganjira, bells and chaplankatta. Faces are painted and red curtains are used as partitions on the stage.

Pooram : Pooram is the great elephant pageant of certain temples in Kerala. Bejeweled tuskers numbering ten to hundred, line up for this exotic spectacle with mahouts sitting atop them carrying the muthukuda (tinsel covered silk parasols) and waving the venchamaram (white tufts). The pageant is accompanied by the panchavadyam, which gradually works up to a crescendo. The most fascinating aspect of the pooram is the Kudamattom ritual; the ceremonial synchronized changing of the colourful parasols held aloft the elephants.

Mamangam : (the term today describes any endeavor that is reckless and expensive). This festival is a replication of the cultural extravaganza held every 12 years by the Zamorins of Malabar in the middle ages. Royal families, principalities and chieftains from all over Kerala used to participate in this great cultural event which was held on the grounds of the Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple at Ponnani in Malappuram.

Mayilattom : Mayilattom/Mayilnritham is a ritual art performed by artistes in peacock costume. It is performed in Subramanya in south Kerala. Oppana is a Muslim bridal group dance.

Padayani : Padayani (literally, a column of army) is a colourful ritual art, which is symbolic of the victory march of goddess Kali after she defeated the demon Darika. The elaborate costume of this art form bears slight resemblance to Theyyam.

Poothamkali : Poothamkali is a folk art more commonly performed in the Bhagavathy temples of Malappuram. Pootham is the character who accompanied Durga in her combat with Darika asura. The performers, usually three in number, undergo a week of austerity before the presentation. Colourful and intricately designed masks carved out of the pala and murukku trees are the highlights of the attire. The fifteen-minute performance starts slowly and works up to frenzy towards the end. The thudi provides rhythm to the dance, which is usually rendered at night.

Pulikali : Pulikali also known as kaduvakali is a common sight in Kerala during festive seasons. Performers painted like tigers in bright yellow, red and black, dance to the loud beats of percussion instruments like the udukku and thakil.

Sarpa pattu : Sarpa pattu (sarpam thullal) or snake dance is a ritual art performed in shrines and temples devoted to Nagaraja the king of serpents. It is performed by women who belong to the Pulluvar caste, in a specially decorated pandal, before the sarpakalam (snake designs on the floor). The women dance in frenzy to the rhythm of the sarpa pattu, until they fall down exhausted. The sarpa pattu is performed to the accompaniment of veena, kudom and kaimani.

Thattumelkoothu : Thattumelkoothu is a devotional folk art. The dance is performed on a special platform, which carried around the temple by devotees even as the performance goes on.

Thidampu : Thidampu Nritham, which is over 700 years old, is a ritualistic art form of North Kerala. The dancer moves to the rhythmic beats of the chenda carrying the thidampu (the idol of the deity) on his head. Seven artists accompany him on percussion instruments while two others hold aloft the ritualistic lamps. The artiste wears much jewelers and a decorated turban known as Ushnipeetam.

Thiyyattu : Thiyyattu is a devotional offering to Bhadrakali and Sree Ayyappa. This ritual art is performed in a specially decorated pandal, before the Kalam (five color design on the floor), the traditional lamp (nilavilaku), and peetam (stool). The performance usually starts at dusk. The artists sing and dance to the rhythmic music of the chenda, elathalam and chengila. The costumes bear resemblances to Ottanthullal and Kathakali, the distinctive features are huge jingling anklets and face makeup with tiny white dots.

Tholpavakoothu : Tholpavakoothu that is said to have originated in the 18th century is also known as pavakoothu (puppet play) or nizhalattam (shadow play). This entertainment art is performed on a special stage called koothumadam in the temple courtyard. Puppets (pavakal), usually representing four characters from the Ramayana, are arranged behind a long white screen, in front of bright wick lamps. The puppets made of deerskin are made to dance to songs from the Kamba Ramayana (the Tamil version of the epic). The performance starts late at night and continues up to daybreak.

Vadithallu : Vadithallu is almost similar to Kolkali and is a folk dance in which artistes tap the short sticks held in both hands.

Velakali : Velakali is one of the most elaborate and spectacular martial folk arts of Kerala. This ritual art form is usually presented within the temple premises and is called Thirumumbil vela when performed before the deity and Kulathivela when performed near the temple pond. Fifty or more performers in the traditional attire of soldiers, bearing colourful shields and swords or long canes, dance with war like steps in perfect orchestration with the resounding rhythm of the thakil, suddha maddlam, elathalam, kuzhal and trumpets. A few fighting techniques of Kalaripayattu are also displayed in the course of the performance.

The primitive inhabitants of Kerala, the tribal people, are only about two hundred thousand now and they are scattered in the jungles and hills of Malabar, Kochi and Travancore. There are about 35 different type of the tribals, chief among them being the Kurichiyar Nayadi, Mullakurumbar, Uralikurumber, Paniya, Mudaga, Irula, Ernadar, Kadar, Muthuvan, Kanikkar, Uralees, Paliyan, Malavedan, Vettuvar, Eravallan, Veda And Malayan. Centuries have failed to change them completely. They are unique example of communities in isolated existence, still preserving their life, customers and manners almost untarnished by the advancing waves of urban civilization. Though adapted to different dialects and customs, their artistic expression evidently reflects the distinct, secluded and primitive social structure and nature of people and it still survives as virile as state as ever in the tribal hamlets of the hilly tracts.

Paniyar Kali : Paniyar Kali Panyar are another set of tribel inhabiting the hilly forests of Wayand district. Their dance is highly masculine and only men participate. Hear the dancers numbering about eight or ten stand in a circle with hands linked together. They have around with rhythmic flexions of the body and while moving stamp the ground in perfect rhythm to the loud beat of the primitive percussion instruments called Karu, Para, Udukku, etc. As the dance gathers momentum the circle is swiftly expanded and contracted and the dancers utter peculiar cries which gradually run up to a high pitch.

Edaya Nritham : Edaya Nritham is the dance of the tribal shepherds. Both men and women participate. One of the shepherds sing. This is repeated in chorus by all the rest. As the singing is going in, one of them imitate the special sounds of shepherds driving their sheep. The dance as such consists of someone of the group crying successively to imitate the wild animals that try to attack the sheep and also the thief who tries to robe them while the other members of the group very adeptly bring out the terror on the faces of the lamps and their mournful walings.

Paravalli Kali : Paravalli Kali is a mixed dance of the aboriginals of dense forest of Travancore area in which both men and women participate. They dance holding arms together, or shoulder to shoulder, linked in a backlock posture. The dance develops into variety of pleasing pattern, in which the men and women change their positions which amazing speed. The entire group of dancers sing songs and move swift rhythm in a circle. The linked arms swing to the rhythm in a fascinating wave like movement.

Kurumbar Nritham : Waynad district had different types of hill tribes of which the kurumbar and the kattunayakar are the most prominent. They perform a special type of dance which is staged in connection with marriages.

Before marriage, the members of the families of both the bride and bridegroom and after marriage the newly - wedded couple perform this dance. After the return of the bridegroom with his bride to his family, all the members of his house household and the newly - wedded again repeat the dance.

Kaanikkar Nritham : Kaanikkar Nritham is a group dance of the kanikkar tribes. The dance is performed as a ritual offering. The steps of the dancers perfectly synchronise with the waving of the hands and beating of drums. "