Arts and Festivals of Kerala
Performing Arts
Kathakali : is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world.Kerala owes its transnational fame to this nearly 300 year old classical dance form which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomime.Kathakali is a group presentation in which dancers take various roles in performances traditionally based on themes from Hindu mythology, especially the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.Characters are categorized according to their nature. The technique of Kathakali includes a highly developed language of gesture, through which the artist can convey whole sentences and stories.The extraordinary costumes and make-up serve to raise the participants above the level of mere mortals, so that they may transport the audience to a world of wonders. One of the most interesting aspects of Kathakali is its elaborate make-up code.
Mohiniyattom : There is no precise historical evidence to establish the antiquity of Mohiniyatttam, the classical female dance-tradition of Kerala. Probably it was evolved in the seventeenth century.The sinuous dance of the enchantress, this 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.Mohiniyaattam was specially created for female dancers. This dance-form was different from the other performing arts of Kerala mainly in two respects. Firstly, the dominantly religious atmosphere of the other classical dance-styles is absent in Mohiniyaattam. Secondly, it did not flourish in temple-precincts like Bharathanatyam Odissi, or Kuchipudi.
Mohiniyattom : There is no precise historical evidence to establish the antiquity of Mohiniyatttam, the classical female dance-tradition of Kerala. Probably it was evolved in the seventeenth century.The sinuous dance of the enchantress, this 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.Mohiniyaattam was specially created for female dancers. This dance-form was different from the other performing arts of Kerala mainly in two respects. Firstly, the dominantly religious atmosphere of the other classical dance-styles is absent in Mohiniyaattam. Secondly, it did not flourish in temple-precincts like Bharathanatyam Odissi, or Kuchipudi.
Bharathanatyam : Centuries old dance form performed throughout India, enriched by Kerala's own legendary dance performers. This dance form was first conceived and authored by the great sage Bharatha. So it is called Bharathanatya. 'Natya' means dance
Koodiyattom : literally means acting together. This, the earliest classical dramatic art form of Kerala. has been recognised by UNESCO as a Human Heritage Art. Rightly so. It is the oldest existing classical theatre form in the entire world, having originated much before Kathakali and most other theatrical forms based on Sage Bharatha's 'Natyasasthra' of the second century.
Thiruvathirakali : is a dance performed by women, in order to attain everlasting marital bliss, on Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December- January).
Chavittunatakom : A Christian art form of Kerala. Evolved at the turn of the 16th Century AD during the Portuguese colonization and bears definite traces of the European Christian Miracle Play.
Koodiyattom : literally means acting together. This, the earliest classical dramatic art form of Kerala. has been recognised by UNESCO as a Human Heritage Art. Rightly so. It is the oldest existing classical theatre form in the entire world, having originated much before Kathakali and most other theatrical forms based on Sage Bharatha's 'Natyasasthra' of the second century.
Thiruvathirakali : is a dance performed by women, in order to attain everlasting marital bliss, on Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December- January).
Chavittunatakom : A Christian art form of Kerala. Evolved at the turn of the 16th Century AD during the Portuguese colonization and bears definite traces of the European Christian Miracle Play.
Ottan Thullal : Thullal is a solo performance combining the dance and recitation of stories in verse. Staged during temple festivals, the performer explicates the verses through expressive gestures, yet has a distinct mass appeal due to its simplicity in terms of costume, style of singing and at times pulling the legs of the audience at certain stages of the ´thullal´ performance.Thullal is a considerably simplified single-actor performing art that enjoyed much more popular appeal than Kathakali, the so called ‘total theatre’. Kunchan Nambiar who lived in the 18th century composed dozens of tullal stories, adding to the literature of the local language, Malayalam, a new genre which consisted of narrative poetry replete with social criticism surcharged with pungent satire and sarcasm. These compositions were singularly suitable for presentation on the stage attracting even the unsophisticated illiterate through highly rhythmic recitation enlivened by closely accompanying percussion instruments and agile dance involving mono-act.
Krishnanattom : A spectacle for both the scholar and the simple rustic. The visual effect is enhanced by varied and colourful facial make-up with larger-than-life-masks, made of light wood and cloth padding
Ritual Arts
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.
morningkerala.com - arts
Theyyam : is one of the most outstanding ancient dance form of Kerala. The word 'Theyyam' originated from 'Daivam' means nothing but God. It is a very fascinating ritual practised for centuries by the tribal people and the villagers of Northern Kerala.Theyyam is also known as Kaaliyattam, it is a ritual dance popular in north Kerala. The word 'Theyyam' originated from 'Daivam' means nothing but God.It is one of the most outstanding ancient dance forms. The Theyyam or Kolam (a form or shape), represents a mythological, divine or heroic character. There are around 400 Theyyams in northern Kerala. The bizarre head dresses, costumes and body painting and trance like performances are very extraordinary. Each one has a distinguishing headgear and costume made out of natural materials like coconut leaves and bark.
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)
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
Krishnanattom : A spectacle for both the scholar and the simple rustic. The visual effect is enhanced by varied and colourful facial make-up with larger-than-life-masks, made of light wood and cloth padding
Ritual Arts
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.
morningkerala.com - arts
Theyyam : is one of the most outstanding ancient dance form of Kerala. The word 'Theyyam' originated from 'Daivam' means nothing but God. It is a very fascinating ritual practised for centuries by the tribal people and the villagers of Northern Kerala.Theyyam is also known as Kaaliyattam, it is a ritual dance popular in north Kerala. The word 'Theyyam' originated from 'Daivam' means nothing but God.It is one of the most outstanding ancient dance forms. The Theyyam or Kolam (a form or shape), represents a mythological, divine or heroic character. There are around 400 Theyyams in northern Kerala. The bizarre head dresses, costumes and body painting and trance like performances are very extraordinary. Each one has a distinguishing headgear and costume made out of natural materials like coconut leaves and bark.
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)
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
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
Martial Arts
Kalaripayattu : the Orients treasure trove, a gift to the modern world and the mother of all martial arts – Legend traces the 3000-year-old art form to Sage Parasurama- the master of all martial art forms and credited to be the reclaimer of Kerala from the Arabian Sea. Kung- fu, popularized by the monks of the Shaolin Temple traces its ancestry to Bodhi Dharma - an Indian Buddhist monk and Kalaripayattu master. is the traditional martial art of Kerala. It is believed to be the forerunner of all eastern martial arts . It has played a significant role in the technical development of all other performing arts in Kerala. Its roots can be traced back to the 12th century when skirmishes among the many feudal principalities were very common. Masters of Kalarippayatt are called GURUKKAL. Kalarippayatt is taught inside a special arena called KALARI, which is part school, part gymnasium and part temple. A kalari is constructed following traditional principles. Its rectangular design is always aligned east - west direction and Hindu deities are represented at each corner.Training in Kalarippayatt begins at a very young age.
Festivals : Kerala is a land of colourful festivals, which have a long history and tradition behind them. Kerala's innumerable festivals however stand out because of their uniqueness.December is the starting month of festivals and it ends upto the last week of April
Onam - The National Festival of Kerala : Kerala's most important festival, honouring King Mahabali, a mythological king of ancient Kerala, whose period was reckoned as the golden age in the history of the state. He was the embodiment of virtues, goodness. So was his regime which was marked by equality and harmony among people. Onam is marked by festivity. Keralites bash up the day. Flower carpet is being prepared in the front yard of every house. Special prayers are offered in temples. Delicious dinner on Onam celebration. Traditional food is served on plantain leaves. An emotional string is attached to this festival since Keralites living elsewhere in the world make it a point to reach their native place to join the gala.
Vishu : The first month of Malayalam Calendar is Medam (April-May) and the first day of Medam is celebrated as Vishu, the New Year day. Begin an auspicious day; it is a common belief that the fortune of the coming year depends on the first day. So the first day begins with ceremony of Kani Kanal, which literally means first sight. At the dawn, the Malayali's begin the first day of the Year by waking up in front of Kani. The Kani includes gold ornament, white cloth, a measure of rice or paddy, bell metal mirror, flowers of the Konna tree (Cussia fistula), halved jack fruits, halved coconuts, yellow cucumber, and two standing oil lamps emitting sparkling light their eyes. Another interesting features of this day are Kaayi neetal where the elder members in the family gift money to the younger ones
Thrissur Pooram : The most spectacular spectacle in the state. This festival was introduced by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of erstwhile Kochi state. A finely executed shot of the Thrissur Pooram showing a row of well-adorned elephants to parade themselves, face to face. Caparisoned elephants and the exchange of parasols are other virtual feast to eyes. he connoisseurs of festivals are blessed with the rare chance to enjoy Kerala's art and culture. The hours-long dazzling fire works submerge the Thrissur city in an ocean of colour.
Cherai Temple Festival : Cherai temple is one of the Important pilgrimage centre in Kerala also known as South Pazhani, built in 1912. Gowreeswara temple is dedicated to Lord Muruka. The idle was installed by Sree Narayana Guru. To see Cherai at her best come with the festival. The trumpeting of more than 30 elephants and the magical sound of Panchavaadya and the spectacular view of celebratory fireworks
Cherai Chariot Festival ( Ratholsav ) : The exquisite temple was constructed in A.D1869. Azheekkal Sree Varaha Venkateswara Temple is the only Sampoornakshetra in South India. This is the only temple in India where both the deities of Sree Varaha and Sree Venkateswara are installed side by side and worshiped as single moorthy (God). The famous temple Ratha (Chariot) is a rarity in temple architecture. This is the only chariot in the world, which runs on the rail. The festival take place twice in a year. The chariot is pulled by devotees around the temple with huge drum beats. The famous temple Ratha (Chariot) is a rarity in temple architecture. This is the only chariot in the world, which runs on the rail. The festival take place twice in a year. The chariot is pulled by devotees around the temple with huge drum beats.
