ARTS OF KERALA

Kadhakali

Foremost important classical dance form of Kerala . Kadhakali encompasses almost all basic art forms like dance,acting,song,literature,painting and music .

Kadhakali makeup can be categorized as Pacha , Kathi , Kari , Thadi and Minukku .The facial of kathakali performer is called ' Chutti kuthu '.Composition of Kathakali music is based on ' Sopana sangeetham '. There are mainly twenty four Mudhras in Kadhakali .Kathakali is performed infront of a big lamp called attavilakku .

Mohiniyattam

It is another classical dance forms of Kerala based on ' Lasia '.The legend is that, Lord Vishnu taking on the guise of a Mohini to enthrall people, both in the churning of the Milk-ocean (Palazhi) and the slaying of Bhasmasura.Renowed poet Vallathol , King Swathi thirunnal and Vadivelu from Tamil Nadu gave high contribution to give a new life for Mohiniyattam .The Sringara used for Mohiniyatta is Vipralamba sringaram . 

Thullal

It is an art form used to perform in temple premises . Poineer of Thullal is Kunjan Nambiar . Thullal has three distinct forms Ottan,Sethankan and parayan . Ottamthullal is evolved by Kunjan Nambiar as an alternative to Chakiar kuthu.Instruments used in Thullal are Madhalam,Kuzhithalam .The performer sing and dance along with background singers .In Thullal serious issues are presented in a humourous way ,which made Thullal interesting and popular among elite and common people as well .

Krishnanattom

              

It is visual form of ' Krishnageetha ' written by poet Manavedha .Krishnanattom is mainly held at Guruvayoor temple .Krishnanattom is the story of 'Lord Krishna '.It is performed in eight parts .

Thiruvathirakkali

It is performed by Hindu women on the day of Thiruvathira( Malayalam month of Dhanu) .Women sing and dance showing gestures with the palm around big lamp with traditional wear of Kerala .

Margam Kali

It is an entertainment art form of Suriyani Christians .Like Thiruvathirakkali women sing and dance .The dancers attired in traditional white mundu,chatta and rich jewellery including special ear ring called Mekkamothiram .Margam kali dancers sing and dance praising Jesus Christ.

Oppana

It is a art form performed on the occasion of Muslim marriage . The bride in her bridal dress is seated on decerated chair and her female friends performs Oppana dance with the background of Mappila song .Oppana is performed in bridegroom house also with the bridegroom in center stage 

Koodiyattam

It is a classical Stage show of Kerala . Sanskrit dramas are presented in Koodiyattom .Koodiyattom ages more than 200 years .Chakiar(Male character) and the Nangiar (Female character) acts together .Musical instruments used in Koodiyattom include Edaykka,Sanku and Kuzhithalam .Costumes of Chakiar and Nangiar vary according to the characters.

Kalarippayattu

It is a martial art of Kerala .Parassuram is considered as pioneer of Kalarippayattu .In medieval both men and women of Kerala practiced kalarippayattu .School of Kalarippayattu used to be associated with and usually located near houses or temples . Kalari practitioners are known by ' Gurukkal '. Kalarippayattu performed for demonstration is called ' kazhcha Ankam ' and real fight is called ' Ankappoyith '.

Kavadiyattam

Kavadiyattam is a ritualistic dance form performed in favour of diety subramanya by devotees.Kavadis are colourful bow shaped wooden structures .Devetees carry kavadis on their shoulders and dance in rythm with music of udukku,chenda and Nadhaswaram.