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Traditional Art Forms of Kerala

Onam and Vishu are the major festivals of Kerala when the traditional art forms are showcased in various temples and theatres in the state. Many of them are portrayed only during the festival season in Kerala. Apart from being showcased during festivals, Kerala is popular for its variant forms of performing arts.

There are many traditional art forms in Kerala that are not to be missed on a trip to God's Own Country. Some temples and districts are known for these diverse art forms. Let's see some of these performing arts and get familiar with the places that boasts of these unique art forms.

Kathakali

Kathakali

Among all the art forms in Kerala, Kathakali is the traditional dance form of the state. The art form is believed to have originated from two other major art forms 'Ramanattam' and 'Krishnanattam'.

Photo Courtesy: trilok rangan

Poothan and Thira

Poothan and Thira

Poothan and Thira is an art form that's portrayed in Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram districts from December to May. The performers of this art are from the Mannan, a Hindu sub-caste and the art is performed in Devi temples during the main festival of the temples.

Photo Courtesy: Anoop.m

A Visit to the Houses

A Visit to the Houses

The performers of the artform visit the houses in the region where the festival takes place. They dance to the music of the drums played by other performers. Poothan and Thira are played by two different performers. Poothan is dressed up with a an ornamented mask and heavy make-up. Thira has no such masks, yet has a fan-shaped head-dress that is swayed as he dances.


Photo Courtesy: Anoop Menon

The Places Where the Art Form is Celebrated Today

The Places Where the Art Form is Celebrated Today

Poothan and Thira is performed in Thalappilly, Palakkatussery and Vannery. In earlier days, rice grains were offered by the households when the performers visit them from the temples. Today, money is offered instead.
Photo Courtesy: Pramod PP

Kummattikkali

Kummattikkali

Kummattikkali is performed in Thrissur district during the Onam festival. On the fourth day of Onam, the art form is performed in the regions of Thrissur, Palakkad and Wayanad districts of Kerala.

Photo Courtesy: Aruna

The Characters in Kummattikkali

The Characters in Kummattikkali

The main character in Kummattikkali is the 'Thalla' or the witch, with other dancers enacting Gods and Goddesses.
Photo Courtesy: Aruna

The Costumes of the Kummattikkali Characters

The Costumes of the Kummattikkali Characters

The costumes of the Kummattikkali are made of grass, coconut shells, and other natural substances. The masks worn are wooden painted masks.
Photo Courtesy: Manojk

The Masks Worn by the Performers

The Masks Worn by the Performers

The performers of Kummattikkali wear wooden masks made out of jack fruit tree and coral tree. The modern day masks are not necessarily wooden but readily available in the markets during the festive season.
Photo Courtesy: Manojk

The Roles Played by the Dancers

The Roles Played by the Dancers

The dancers dress up as Lord Krishna, Narada, Kiratha, Darika or the hunters who are significant characters in Hindu mythology. This art form is extensively promoted in various parts of Thrissur during Onam.
Photo Courtesy: Manojk

The Stories Played by the Kummattikkali Dancers

The Stories Played by the Kummattikkali Dancers

The performers dance and enact the stories taken from the epic Ramayana and other mythological stories.
Photo Courtesy: Manojk

Mudiyettu

Mudiyettu

Mudiyettu is an art form of Kerala that has been inscribed in UNESCO's 'List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity'. A group of 12-20 dancers perform the story of Darika Vadham, a scene from the epic Mahabharatha.
Photo Courtesy: Sivavkm

Close Resemblance to Kathakali

Close Resemblance to Kathakali

Mudiyettu is an art form that resembles Kathakali, the traditional art form of Kerala. The dancers belong to Kuruppu and Marar sub-castes of the Hindu community.
Photo Courtesy: Sivavkm

Mudiyettu Performed in Temples

Mudiyettu Performed in Temples

This art form is performed in the temple premises in front of a lamp which is placed in a 'kalam', which is a drawing done on the floor using organic colours. The performance is accompanied by the beating of drums, and devotees are invited to the temple to watch the enactment. The art form is prominent in various parts of Thrissur, Kochi, Idukki and Kottayam district.
Photo Courtesy: Sivavkm

Padayani

Padayani

Padayani, also called as Padeni, is a ritual art form performed in various parts of Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Alleppey districts of Kerala. This ceremonial folk dance is performed in Bhagavati temples in Kerala.
Photo Courtesy: Praveenp

Neelamperoor Padayani

Neelamperoor Padayani

Though a variant of Padayani, Neelamperoor Padayani is slightly different from the original art form. This takes place in Neelamperoor Palli Bhagavati Temple, a temple in Alleppey district.
Photo Courtesy: Neelamperoor

The Legend of Padayani

The Legend of Padayani

Padayani translates as 'a row of millitary personnel'. The performers belong to the Nair community, which is usually cheered by a lot of devotees who stand in rows that resemble an army row. Thus, the name Padayani came into existence.
Photo Courtesy: Manojk

Pooram Padayani

Pooram Padayani

Pooram Padayani takes place exactly on the 16th day of the Neelamperoor Padayani. Dummies of swans and elephants are decorated and displayed on this occasion.
Photo Courtesy: Manojk

Theyyam

Theyyam

Theyyam is a traditional ritualistic art form performed in the Northern part of Kerala. Kannur district is known as the land of Theyyam.
Photo Courtesy: Jasinth M V

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