Spectacular visual effects and stunning music are hallmarks of Kerala's performing arts. In a land which cannot boast of monumental architectural feats, unlike many other parts of India, the performing arts, both individually and collectively, make up for the lost magnificence. No other State in India can match the grandeur and creativity of Kerala's performing arts. The classical and ritual arts of Kerala have always enjoyed a rich patronage, from the former kings who ruled the state to the latter day democratic governments.
Kerala's unique selling point is its rich culture which was mellowed by centuries-old rich heritage. Culture and heritage are pervasive presence across the state and are kept alive through the state's performing arts.
PERFORMING ARTS, A SLICE OF CULTURE
Kerala's performing arts are feast to the eyes of tourists. A sheer variety of art forms, when performed by consummate artistes with the requisite paraphernalia make watching them worth. Legends and legendary characters resurrect from the dog-eared pages of history books and make their apparitions on the stages leaving the audience in ecstasy. The attire, roves and facial expressions of the artistes are a sumptuous treat for eyes. Centuries down, Kerala's performing arts had enjoyed the patronage and pats from successive rulers. Besides, the now defunct feudal system had also contributed for the nourishment of art and culture. The Northern region of the state is a repertoire of arts and culture. Many of these performing arts are enmeshed with the cultural history of religious communities. While classical art forms such as Kathalkali and Bharathayatyam were the stronghold of upper class, those from lower strata of the society performed dance forms such as theyyam and padayani. If the former class performed in the temple premises and specially erected stages, the later had to venture on streets to show their artistic prowess.
Besides, the aborigines of the state have their own art forms. Cherumarkali, a harvest dance is one among them. Dancers, men and women, with hands entwined, waltz rhythmically to the drumbeats. They will send you into trance. Rapturous moments for audience. Dainty world of performing arts. Engrossing ensemble of dance and folk arts.
Flamboyant cultural procession is an integral part of any festival here. In temple fests, deities adorned with glittering jewels and colorful garlands are shouldered in the procession to the accompaniment of chanting of hymns, blowing of conches and playing of nadswaram.
Thrissur Pooram, the spectacle of splendour, is the greatest cultural extravaganza in Kerala. Celebrated on First May every year, this is also the stage for the biggest show of pyrotechnics.
THEYYAM
Theyyam also known as Kaliyattam, it is a ritual dance popular in north Kerala or the erstwhile Kolathunadu.
Theyyam incorporates dance, mime and music and enshrines the rudiments of ancient tribal cultures which attached great importance to the worship of heroes and the spirits of ancestors.
Of the over 400 Theyyams performed, the most spectacular ones are those of Raktha Chamundi, Kari Chamundi, Muchilottu Bhagavathi, Wayanadu Kulaveni, Gulikan and Pottan.
These are performed in front of shrines, sans stage or curtains, by persons belonging to the Vannan, Malayan and other related castes.
'Thudangal' (the beginning) and 'Thottam' (the invocation) are the introductory rituals of the Theyyam or the Thira, as it is known in south Malabar.
The headgear and other ornamental decorations are spectacular in sheer size and appearance. Karivalloor, Nileswaram, Kurumathoor, Parassini, Cherukunnu, Ezhom and Kunnathoorpadi in north Malabar are places where Theyyams are performed annually from December to April.
PATAYANI
Patayani is a week- long ritual dance, held in Kaali temples on the banks of the Pamba river during the Malayalam months of Meenam and Medam (March - April).
The choice theme of the dancers is the slaying of the demon Daarikan by the goddess Kaali. The steps and movements of the dance vary according to each Kolam or character.
Thappu is the major percussion instrument accompanied by a few Chendas. Patayani masks are made with the fresh spathe of arecanut palms.
Bhairavi (Bhadrakaali), Yakshi, Pakshi (bird) and Kaalari (Siva) are the main characters.
Various communities targetted for criticism are represented by jestures.
Kadammanitta, Kadalimangalam and Othara in Pathanamthitta district? are famous for annual Patayani performances.
POOTHANUMTHIRAYUM
This ritual offering to Goddess Kaali is performed in many places of South Malabar.
A troupe of dancers dress up as Kaali (the Thira) and the accompanying spirits (the Poothams)
who were created along with the goddess for the destruction of the evil demon, Daarikan.The Thira wear masks while the spirits don semi-circular wooden crowns.
The dance is performed from house to house and on the premises of village shrines between November and May every year.
PAANA
Paana or Pallippaana, as it is sometimes called, is a ritual art to propitiate the goddess Bhadrakaali. The art form is popular in the districts of Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram.
Paana is part of a three day festival. A canopy is supported by 64 posts of cut out from the Paala tree ( Alstonia scholaris) and adorned with tender palm fronds is erected near the shrine of the goddess.
A stump of this tree is ceremonially brought to the site and planted there for the occasion and a non-figurative kalam is drawn in the centre using coloured powders.
A ceremonial sword is placed on a red silk cloth under the tree stump to signify the presence of the goddess.
At the end of a series of rites, the oracle arrives and moves in a trance around the kalam and the pandal (canopy).
The para, a variation of the chenda is the main percussion accompaniment. The dream beats work up to a frenzy to match the steps of the oracle. Performed during the night, the ritual lasts for about three hours.
MUDIYETTU
Mudiyettu is a ritual dance performed in some Kaali temples of Ernakulam and Kottayam districts (central Kerala). The dance celebrates the goddess's triumph over the demon Daarikan. Mudiyettu is performed by the Kuruppu or Marar who belong to the temple bound communities
of Kerala.The Kalamezhuthu, a ritual drawing of the goddess Kaali is made on the floor with dyed powders, before the performance. Then the chorus sings hymns in praise of the goddess.
Before the actual performance, the dancer erases the Kalam with tender palm fronds. The performer in the role of Kaali is aided by 'Koimpata Nayar', the local guide and Kooli, the attendant.
Legends say that Daarikan, the epitome of evil, challenged Kaali to a duel. Kaali slayed Daarikan, with the blessings and grace of Lord Siva.
The performers of Mudiyettu are all heavily made up and wear gorgeous attire with conventional facial paintings, tall headgears etc, to give a touch of the supernatural. The wooden headgear has a mask of Kaali. An ornamental red vest and a long white cloth around the waist complete the attire.
KOOTHU
Koothu is a socio-religious art performed in the Koothambalam or the Koothuthara of temples, either independently or as part of Kootiyattam.
It is a solo narrative performance interspersed with mime and comic interludes. The Chakkiar dons the role of ' Vidushaka' or the wise jester.
Through his inimitable narration of stories from the epics ( The Ramayana and The Mahabharatha), the Chakkiar satirises the manners and customs of the time.
No one is above the butt of his ridicule. His wit ranges from innocent mockery to veiled innuendoes, barbed pun and pungent invectives.
Koothu is intermittently accompanied by the percussion instrument Mizhavu. The Nangyar Koothu is a variation of the Koothu performed by the Nangiars or the female members of the Chakkiar community.
This is a solo dance drama mainly centred on the legends of Sree Krishna. Verses are sung and interpreted through mime and dance.
The mudras, though the same as in Kootiyattam, are even more elaborate.
The art form is still performed in temples like Vadakkumnatha temple at Thrissur , Sri Krishna temple at Ambalappuzha , Koodal Manikyam temple at Irinjalakkuda and Kumaranalloor temple at Kottayam.
KANNYARKALI
Kannyarkali, also known as Desathukali, is a folk art exclusively practised by the Nair community of the Palakkad area. It owes its origin to the pursuit of martial arts in this region which was under constant threat of attack from neighbouring Konganadu.
Kannyarkali was born when dance and comedy were pitched in to add vigour and colour to the martial training sessions. The art form combines the agile movements of martial arts with the rhythmic grace of folk dance performed around a nilavilakku.
Performed during March-April in temples as well as in places called the ' Thara', a venue for informal gatherings, this art form is accompanied by devotional folk songs and the loud beat of percussion instruments. The orchestra includes ilathalam or cymbal and percussion instruments like chenda, maddalam, edakka and udukku.
A team of Kannyarkali dancers varies from six to twenty in number and a performances usually lasts for four days. Each day's performance is known by a different name: Iravakali, Anadikoothu, Vallon and Malama. The last day's performance is presented by hill tribes, in which women also participate.
ARJUNA NRITHAM
Arjuna nritham (the dance of Arjuna) is a ritual art performed by men and is prevalent in the Bhagavathy temples of Kerala. Arjuna, the most valiant of the five heroic brothers - the
Pandavas - of the epic Mahabharatha, was also a renowned singer and dancer and is said to have propitiated goddess Bhadrakaali by a devotional presentation.Arjuna nritham is also called Mayilppeeli nritham as the costume includes a characteristic garment made of mayilppeeli (peacock feathers). This garment is worn around the waist in a similar fashion as the uduthukettu of Kathakali . The performers have their faces painted green and wear distinctive headgears. The all night performance of the dance form is usually presented solo or in pairs.
The songs which are strictly rhythm based are called Kavithangal and deal with various themes of the Puranas (ancient Hindu scriptures). Each Kavitham is composed to suit a specific rhythm. Before each song the dancers explain the intricacies of the particular rhythm about to be employed and how this rhythm is translated into dance movements.
The various dance movements are closely similar to Kalarippayattu techniques. Percussion instruments like the chenda, maddalam, talachenda and ilathalam (cymbal) form the musical accompaniment.
THOLPPAVAKKOOTHU
Tholppavakkoothu, literally meaning 'leather puppet play', is a ritual art performed during the annual festivals in the Kaali temples of Palakkad district.
The theme of the play is based on the Kamba Ramayana, narrated in a diction that is a mixture of Malayalam and Tamil dialectical variations.
The play covers the whole gamut of events from Lord Sree Rama's birth to his coronation as the King of Ayodhya.
The shadow play is presented in the 'Koothumadam', a specially constructed oblong play house on the temple premises.
The puppets are fashioned out of the hides of buffaloes and deer, the former for evil characters and latter for noble ones.
Each puppet is of an average height of 80 cms and is cut out in different postures. The puppets are arranged behind a long white curtain stretched across the Koothumadom.
Behind this, on a split bamboo pole, is placed a row of wick lamps burning inside coconut halves. The light from these lamps cast the silhouettes of the puppets on the curtain.
The chief puppeteer is known as 'Pulavan'. At present this ritual art is confined to Ottapalam and Kavalappara in Palakkad district.
VELAKALI
This spectacular martial dance is performed by men in some of the temples of southern Kerala.
The dancers, clad in the traditional clothes and colourful headgear of the medieval Nair soldiers,
engage in vigorous movements and dexterous sword play, to the accompaniment of an orchestra comprising the maddalam, ilathalam, kombu and kuzhal.Velakali originated in Ambalappuzha where Mathoor Panicker, chief of the Chempakasserri army, promoted it to boost the martial spirit of the people.
The dance form is a regular feature of the annual festivities at the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna temple in Alappuzha distric
KALAMEZHUTHU
The kalam is a unique drawing also called dhulee chithram or powder drawing. The artist uses the floor as his canvas. Kalamezhuthu pattu is performed as part of the rituals to worship and propitiate gods like Kaali, Ayyappan or Vettakkorumakan.
This ritualistic art is a common feature of temples as well as noble households. The kalams or drawings are erased at the end of the ritual to the accompaniment of musical instruments like ilathalam, veekkan chenda, kuzhal, kombu and chenda.
The coloured powders used for the kalam are prepared from natural products only. The pigments are extracted from plants - rice flour (white), charcoal powder (black), turmeric powder (yellow), powdered green leaves (green), and a mixture of turmeric powder and lime (red). It often takes more than two hours to finish a kalam drawing with appealing perfection. Decorations like a canopy of palm fronds, garlands of red hibiscus flowers and thulasi or Ocimum leaves are hung above the kalam.
The figures drawn usually have an expression of anger, and other emotions. Kalamezhuthu artists are generally members of communities like the Kurups, Theyyampadi Nambiars, Theeyadi Nambiars and Theeyadi Unnis. The kalams drawn by these people differ in certain characteristics.
The Kalamezhuthu is a forty-day ritualistic festival beginning with the first of Vrischikam (Scorpio) in most Bhagavathy temples in Kerala
MARGOMKALI
Margomkali is a ritual folk art of the Syrian Christians of Kottayam and Thrissur districts. A dozen dancers sing and dance around a lighted wick lamp ( Nilavilakku), clad in the simple
traditional white dhoti and sporting a peacock feather on the turban to add a touch of colour.This is an allegorical enactment with the lamp representing Christ and the performers his disciples. The performance is usually held in two parts and begins with songs and dances narrating the life of St.Thomas, the apostle. It then takes a striking turn with a martial play of artificial swords and shields.
The narration is stark without musical accompaniments. The songs date back to a period much before the Portuguese invasion. Today, Margomkali is only performed as a stage item by women.
KAVADIYATTOM
Kavadiyattam, a colourful ritual art, is a votive offering to Sree Subramanya. Basically of Tamil origin, Kavadiyattam is widely prevalent in the Subramanya temples all over Kerala during the festival seasons.
Dressed in bright yellow or saffron robes, devotees performing kavadiyattam smear vibhoothi or sacred ash all over their body. Each one carries on his shoulder an ornate Kavadi - a huge bow, richly decorated with peacock feathers, (it is believed that the peacock is the vehicle of Sree Subramanya). Kavadiyattam literally means dance carrying a kavadi. Kavadies are usually of different sizes and shapes, each with its own significance.
A Pookavadi is one decorated with brightly coloured artificial flowers, a mayilpeeli kavadi decorated using only peacock feathers and ambalakavadi, one shaped like the gopuram (tower) of a temple. A kavadi can rise up to a height of 10-18 feet.
The dancers twist and spin in a row. A group of such kavadi dancers make an exotic sight. The dancers gradually move in a frenzy, in step with the rising beats of percussion instruments like udukku, chenda etc., accompanying the procession. Sometimes nadaswaram, a wind instrument, is also used.
THEEYATTU
Theeyattu is a solo dance-drama performed in front of the Kalam or Dhooli Chitram (ritual drawing with coloured powders).
It is enacted in some Bhagavathy temples of Thiruvalla, Kottayam, Thripunithura and neighbouring areas.
The ritual starts with the invocation of Lord Ganapathy, Lord Siva and goddess Saraswathy, after which the performer dons a crown smaller but similar to the one used in Mudiyettu.
The most popular story narrated through a Theeyattu performance is that of the duel between goddess Kaali and the demon Daarikan.
The dance form is usually performed by a small group of temple bound communities called the Unni. Theeyattu is still a ritual offering made every Friday at the Pallippurathu Kaavu temple near Kottayam town.
KUMMATTIKKALI
Kummattikkali is a mask dance popular in some of the northern districts of Kerala.
The dancers, wearing painted wooden masks and sporting sprigs of leaves and grass, go dancing
from house to house.A popular Kummatti character is Thalla or the witch; the others represent various Hindu gods and goddesses.
The songs deal with devotional themes and are accompanied by a bow like instrument called Ona-villu.
No formal training is required to perform the Kummattikkali, and often the spectators join in the performance.
