Kerala with its rich tradition and culture has given birth to art forms, which have evolved over the last 400 years. Each of these art forms is a classical piece wherein performers are put through rigorous training and practice sessions under the supervision of their guru or “aashan” before they graduate to perform before an audience. Listed below is a very brief description of the various art forms of Kerala……….but nothing like watching these performances live to give you that once in a lifetime experience.

  Kathakali :

Known as one of the most widely known and appreciated art forms of Kerala, Kathakali is a dance-drama representation of the excerpts from Indian epics like the the Mahabharat, Ramayan etc. Performed usually in the temple premises, after sunset Kathakali is an accompaniment of the drumbeats and the Chengila. A kathakali artist exchanges ideas only through facial expressions and hand gestures……no words uttered by the performers!!

Also, what is unique about this art is that male performers represent both the male as well as female characters. The facial make up on a Kathakali performer is the result of hours of hard work, patience and concentration. The face is painted in full using vibrant natural colours. The make up is put o hours before the performance and the costumes vary according to the characters in the performance.

A kathakali performer is trained for at least a minimum period of 5 years before he performs before an audience. Therefore, what you get to watch in a single performance of Kathakali is years of practice put together to the limit of perfection!!

  Mohiniyattam :

Mohiniyattom, a dance form based on the Hindu mythology of the heavenly damsel Mohini, who had come down to earth to charm the demons. Going by the legend, it was Lord Vishnu himself who had assumed the beautiful and charming figure of Mohini to entice the demons on earth who robbed away the ocean of milk from the gods in heaven to enjoy life and gain immortality.And then, Mohini with her charm and swaying body movements danced so gracefully and enchanted the demons so as to steal away the elixir from them and return it to the gods!

Thus, came the origin of the dance form Mohiniattam, which literally means the “graceful movements of Mohini”. Mohiniattam is performed only by the females as it represents a female character from the Hindu mythology. The performer is dressed in the beautifully hand woven, gold filigre bordered ivory attire. This attire today is recognized as the traditional wear of Kerala women…a must have for any woman visiting Kerala!!

Mohiniyattom, is usually performed solo, but it is also performed in groups on certain occasions. What is very unique to this dance form are the emotional expressions with the eyes and the hands of the ladies performing in the simple yet elegant attire.

  Thullal :

Thullal is a classical solo dance form of Kerala, which is a combination of  dance and recitation of  stories in verses from the Hindu mythology. Thullal is usually staged only during temple festivals, within the temple premises for the entertainment of  thousands of people who gather for the occasion. The three commonly known forms of thullal are: Ottanthullal , Seethankanthullal and Parayanthullal. The most commonly found of these is the Ottamtullal.

During the performance the artists are accompanied by the background beats of the mridangam, percussions and the cymbal. The make up put on by the Thullal artists is very similar to the ones used by Kathakali artists.

This art form dates back to a history of 18^th century when it was first introduced by the well known malayali poet Kunchan Nambiar.

  Thiruvathirakali :

Thiruvathirakali is a dance performed by women, in celebration of marital bliss, fidelity and female energy.

It is believed to be performed in the memory of lord Kamadeva - the god of love, who was brought back to life after the curse from Lord Siva. Thiruvathirakalli derived its name from the Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December- January).

Always performed by a group of women in the traditional Kerala dress of the Kasavu Mundu, thiruvathirakalli is a dance with singing and clapping of hands by these women. The sinuous movements around a nilavilakku(Lamp), represent 'lasya' or the amorous charm and grace of the feminine. The dance is performed with the women forming a circle around the Nilavelaku and graceful body movements. Thiruvathirakali has become a popular dance form for all seasons these days and is performed during the common festivals in the ancestral homes or even during temple festivals.

  Oppana :

Oppana, has its early origins among the Muslim population in the north of Kerala, known as the Malabar region.

It is again a dance performance of only girls. Today, it is a must have in any Muslim wedding wherein all the bride’s friends surround the dressed up bride and clap hands and sing for her. The lyrics are mostly teasing comments on the bride’s anticipation and excitement at the first glimpse of her to- be husband. This is because in Muslim weddings the bride and the groom do not get to see each other till the wedding is over!!

A leader in the group first sings the teasing recitals and then the others repeat the same, teasing the bride who tries to hide her embarrassment!

  Kolkkali :

To complement the Oppana performed by the Malabar  muslim girls, there is the Kolaklli performed by the muslim menfolk. It is a dance set in harmonious and rhythmic synchrony of the striking of short sticks. This is performed in group and the performers move around in a circle, striking the sticks without missing a single beat.

  Duffmuttu :

Duffmuttu , yet another art form  of the Malabar Muslims is performed during social events or festivals. Also, known as Aravanamuttu, it is performed in a group where they beat on a small round percussion instrument called the  ‘Duffu’. The performers move round in circles singing in chorus after the lead singer. The songs are based on heroic stories of martyrs or saints.

  Krishnanattom :

Krishnanattom is the artistic representation of the life span of Lord Krishna, right from his birth to his ascension into the heavens. Masked characters with facial make up, similar to Kathakali artists perform for about a week’s time to complete the events that occurred in the life span of lord Krishna.

Each of the characters is recognized by the colour of their costume and make up.