Kerala Art Performance |
 Kerala is rich with its vivid and spectacular art forms. The main tourist attraction of the art forms in Kerala India is its amusing costumes and colors. Many of these art forms in Kerala are performed by separate castes or groups. There are separate art forms for men and women.
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Art Forms in Kerala |
Dappu kali |
| Dance form of Mappilah or Muslims of Nothern Kerala.This art form is characterized by the rhythmic beat of Dappu-a special kind of drum- which each dancer holds.The dancers move their body in a symmetrical way according to the beating of the dappu. |
Kolkkali |
| Both men and women participate in this dance form. The dancers hold sticks in both of their hands. Moving in a circle they strike the sticks of others. They move with special steps according to the rhythm of the music. |
Maplah Kali |
| This is very similar to kolkkali and is the powerful folk-dance of the Muslims of the Malabar. Melodious Maplah songs are sung as the dances are performed. |
Kothamoori |
| The dancers carry a model of oxen on their shoulders. A number of dancers with crude costumes and facial marks will accompany them, They dance in a jubilant way following the beating of instruments like Chenda(drum).This dance form is performed by the community called "Malavans of North Kerala". |
Sarpam Thullal |
| Sarpamthullal is usually performed in the courtyard of houses having snake shrines. This is a votive offering for family wealth and happiness.In the The dance finally erupts in a violent frenzy of rhythmic fervour. |
Ayyappan Vilakku |
| This dance form is conducted in remembrance of the legendary fight between Ayyappan and Vavar.So many people at the same time take part in this dance form. Miniature temples are set up all over the place. Devotional songs are played and in accordance two dancers dressed in the costumes of Ayyappan and Vavar perform a demo fighting using swords and coconut fronds. |
Kaalayum kudayum |
| This is an art form of the Pulayar community.
Models of Oxen made out of twigs, bamboo, white clothes are taken in procession from house to house. |
Kaavadiyattom |
| With ashes smeared all over the body , the dancers carry Kavadi on their shoulder. The rhythmic dancing according to the beatings of the instruments like Udukku and Chenda are a good to see peace of art.This dance form are performed in temples in accordance with the festival of Lord Subramania. |
Bharatanatyam |
| Bharatha Natyam is the traditional art form of South India. It is derived from the basic concepts of Bhavaam -Expressions, Ragaam-Music and Thaalam- Rythm. It is performed in the stage giving emphasis on Adavu-steps and Hasthamudra-Hand gestures. It's performed in accordance with classical Karnatic Music. |
Koothu |
| Performed in the Koothambalams of temples by a cast called Chakyars.The actror recites and depicts in Malayalam stories from Sanskrit epics.These are more or less sarcastic ,witty portrayal of topics from political and social accepts. |
Theyyam |
| In this dance form the performer is considered as Goddess. The viewers believe that God himself is dancing. Great divinity is given to the performer and the performance. The word Theyyam is the corrupted usage of the word Daivam means GOD. Men dress in feminine attire consisting of palm leaves, cloth, brass jewels, ferocious masks and head gear. Wearing all this costumes the performer appers to be a gigantic figure of forty feet in height. |
Katahakali |
| Kathakali is the most famous dance form of Kerala.It is the own classical dance form of Kerala which attracts people all over the world.Kathakali is a combination of three fine arts, Abhinayam-acting, Nrithyam-Dancing and Geetham or Singing.Its a pantomime in which the performer communicates through gestures and acting.Its performed at dusk ,sometimes continuously for ten days ,each day depicting a different story,.Kathakali is performed by men only. The costumes used and the make up used are of special importance and attraction. The actors select the costumes according to the kind of character they portray. |
Mohiniyattom |
| Mohiniyattam is a dance form said to have originated in Kerala. Originated as the temple dance performed by Devadasis, it portrays feminine love in its myriad forms - carnal, devotional and maternal- with accent more on Lasya and Bhava. The language used in the lyrics is a pleasant mixture of Malayalam and Sanskrit, known as Manipravalam. |
Koodiyattom |
| It is the oldest existing classical theatre art form.It is a combined art form of Chakkyars (a sub caste of Hindus) and Nangayrs (ladies of another sub caste).The only musical instrument played is Mizhavu played by Nambiar men. |
Thullal |
This solo dance performance is characterized by outspoken sarcasm and humor. Thullal is noted for its simplicity of presentation and its relation to day today life.
Thullal song is written in simple Malayalam which could be followed by everyone. Thullal is of three types-Ottan,Seethankan and Parayan based on the rhyme of the songs sung. |
Thiruvathira Kali |
| This art form is the icon of Kerala Women. This is performed in the belief of attaining everlasting marital blessings and happiness. Its a celebration of womanhood.Women dressed in traditional Kerala attire gather in a circle and sing hymns and move in a rhythmic style. |
Chavittunatakam |
| Chavittunatakam (Stamping drama) is the art form of Kerala Christians, This is often thought of as a counterpart of Kathakali.This is a presented on a raised stage or platform. Actors are dressed in ancient Roman attire. Stories from holy Bible are presented. The main feature of this drama, is the stamping of the actors heavily on the floor in order to give stress to the dialogues. This drama is rich in songs, colorful costumes, songs and strong beatings of country drums. |
Markkam Kali |
| It is the Christian counterpart of Thiruvathirakali.This performed by Christian women.
Women dressed in traditional Christian attire-White clothes with frills on the back, big gold ear rings-move in rhythmic circular way singing songs praising Jesus Christ. This is accompanied by drum beatings. This art form is really energetic compared to Thiruvathirakali |
Oppana |
| This is the art form of Kerala Muslim girls. This is performed at the time of bridal makeup. This is performed before the day before marriage at the bridal chamber. Make up includes applying henna on palms and feet and manicuring. Girls move in fast rhythm to the song called Oppana Pattu. This song contains teasing if the girl who is expecting her groom. |
Kalarippayattu |
| It is a very old martial art form originated in Kerala.It is even thought of as the front runner of other martial arts of other country. Kalari is the place or school where the martial art is taught. It consists of strict discipline where the disciple has to live with the Guru or teacher. It requires years of earnest practice to master all the eighteen tricks. Kalaripayathhu also give importance to Marma or vital spots of the body .Different types of treatment for muscle and bone related problems are also part of this discipline. |
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