Kerala Arts
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 ' . 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 . 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 .
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 .
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 .
Koothu
It is an art form performed at temple . A single person does story telling and acting with the background music of ' Mizhavu ' (A type of big earthen pot ). Performer is called “Vidhooshaka “.Koothu performed by women is called 'Nangiar koothu '.
Thiruvathirakkali
It is performed by Hindu women on the day of Thiruvathira .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 .
Koodiyattam
It is a classical Stage show of Kerala . Sanskrit dramas are presented in Koodiyattom .Koodiyattom ages more than 200 years .Musical instruments used in Koodiyattom include Edaykka,Sanku and Kuzhithalam .
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 '.