Every festival in Kerala, though a religious occasion, is more of a socio cultural event. It is a god sent opportunity to explore the rich classical, folk and ritual arts of the state.

Classical Arts of Kerala

Kathakali is a 500 years old classical dance drama, which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomime. It is an integral part of all temple and cultural festivals in Kerala. The costumes and makeup are ornamental and elaborate. The actors do not speak or sing but enact the story through mudras (head gestures), graceful movements and facial expression. The pomp and magnificence of Kathakali is partly due to its decor part of which is the kireetam or huge headgear and the kanchukam the over sized jackets, and a long skirt worn over a thick padding of cushions. A Kathakali actor enacts his ideas through mudras. For this he follows a systematic sign language based on Hastalakshana Deepika, a treatise on the language of hand gestures. The orchestra is formed of two varieties of drums - the maddalam and chenda; the chengila, which is a bell metal gong and the ilathalam or cymbals. Students of Kathakali have to undergo rigorous training replete with oil massages and separate exercises for eyes, lips, cheeks, mouth and neck. Kerala Kalamandalam is the prominent institution imparting Kathakali training in the traditional way.

Chakyarkoothu also called Koothu is a solo narrative performance interspersed with mime and comic interludes. The Chakkiar dons the role of the wise jester and through his narration of stories from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharatha the Chakkiar satirizes the manners and customs of the time. No one is above the butt of his ridicule. The Nangyar Koothu is a variation of the Koothu performed by the Nangiars or the female members of the Chakkiar community.
Chavittunatakom is a Christian art form of Kerala that evolved at the turn of the 16th Century. In this musical drama, the actors wear Greco-Roman costumes and even the stage props bear several foreign influences. The language is a colloquial mix of Tamil and Malayalam.

Krishnanattom is a spectacular performance wherein the visual effect is enhanced by varied and colourful facial make-up with larger-than-life-masks, made of lightwood and cloth padding, for certain characters. The predominant colours used are dark green, flesh tint and deep rose. The characters of Krishna, Arjuna and Garuda wear dark blue vests. The traditional performance lasts for eight days and covers the whole span of Krishna's life.

Mohiniyattom, the dance of the enchantress, is a distinctive classical dance form of Kerala. Slow, graceful, swaying movements of the body and limbs and highly emotive eye and hand gestures are unique to this dance form. The origin of Mohiniyattom is rooted in Hindu mythology. Long ago the ocean of milk was churned by the gods and demons to extract the elixir of life and immortality. The demons made away with this divine brew. Lord Vishnu came to the rescue of the panicky gods and assumed the female form of an amorous celestial dame Mohini. Captivating the demons with her charms, Mohini stole the elixir from them and restored it to the gods.
Kakkarissi natakom is a satirical dance-drama based on the puranic legends of Lord Siva and his consort Parvati when they assumed human forms as Kakkalan and Kakkathi - a nomadic tribe of fortunetellers. It often turns into a subtle critique of contemporary society. The language is a blend of Tamil and Malayalam.

Koodiyattam literally means, "dancing together". This is the earliest classical dramatic art form of Kerala. Koodiyattam evolved in the 9th century AD. There are two or more characters onstage at the same time, with the Chakkiars providing the male cast and the Nangiars playing the female roles. The Nangiars beat the cymbals and recite verses in Sanskrit, while in the background Nambiars play the Mizhavu, a large copper drum. Vidushaka or the wise man enacts his role with the liberty to criticize anyone without fear. Make up patterns and costumes of koodiyattam are believed to be the forerunners of the Kathakali costume.

Thullal is a modification of the Koothu and is characterized by wit and humour. The make up, though simple, is very much akin to that of Kathakali. The solo performance is marked by fast and rhythmic movements and the dancer himself sings. Kunjan Nambiar, one of the leading poets of Kerala, originated this dance form.

Duffmuttu is a group performance popular among the Muslims of Malabar. Duffmuttu is staged as a social event during festivals and nuptial ceremonies. The artistes beat on a quaint round percussion instrument called the Duffu, the leader of the group sings the lead, while the others form the chorus and move in circles. The songs are often tributes to martyrs, heroes and saints.