Kerala Arts Culture and Games
Malayikkuthu (Malayikuthu, Malayikkuth) is a dance ritual performed by the people of Malayi sect in Kerala, South India. Devakanni and Narada are two characters that comprise Malayikkuthu. Davakanni’s costume consists of gold and silver ornaments, pleated cloths and doted dresses. Narada wears silver ornaments and other colorful clothes. The face is decorated with turmeric and…
Kuthiyottam is one of the main offering at the Chettikulangara Devi Temple.It is a ritualistic symbolic representation of human bali (Human Sacrifice). Kali is one of the most significant divinities, and many texts and contexts treat Kali as an independent deity, not directly associated with a male god. In case she is associated with a…
Kummattikali or Kummatti Kali is the famous colorful mask-dance of Kerala, South Malabar in particular. During the festival of Onam, Kummattikali performers move from house to house collecting small gifts and entertaining people. Kummatti dances are rampant in the Thrissur district during Onam. Pristine or original form of Kummattikali can be seen in the Bhadrakali…
Kothammuriyattom is a village folk art form of North Kerala, India. It is in fact Godavariyattom. Basically it is a theyyam with the image of a cow-face attached to mid part of the body. Usually a boy is selected to do this. Special hair work, face pack, and costumes accompany this. And paniyas too accompany…
Koodiyattam (Malayalam: α┤òα╡éα┤ƒα┤┐α┤»α┤╛α┤ƒα╡ìα┤ƒα┤é, Sanskrit: αñòαÑéαñƒαñ┐αñ»αñ╛αñƒαÑìαñƒαñ«αÑì, IAST: K┼½ß╣¡iy─üß╣¡ß╣¡aß╣â) or Kutiyattam is a form of Sanskrit theatre traditionally performed in the state of Kerala, India. Performed in he Sanskrit language in Hindu temples, it is believed to be 2,000 years old. It is officially recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of…
Kolkali (Malayalam:α┤òα╡ïα┤▓α╡ìΓÇìα┤òα┤│α┤┐) is a folk art performed in North Malabar region of Kerala State in south India. The dance performers move in a circle, striking small sticks and keeping rhythm with special steps. The circle expands and contracts as the dance progress. The accompanying music gradually rises in pitch and the dance reaches its climax….
Kolam Thullal is a ritual dance form prevalent in south Kerala, southern India. It is customary in houses and temples of Bhagavathy, a female deity. It is performed at temple festivals and to drive away evil spirits from the “possessed” bodies. Its origins lie with the Tinta group of the Kaniyar caste.Tippu Sultan. Kolam thullal…
Kerala Natanam can be called a stylised form of Kathakali. Guru Gopinath developed his own style that was appealing to the masses who were then devoid of art and dance, without compromising on the classical background. He never tried to reform Kathakali and to tamper with the originality and purity it possessed.He was instrumental to…
Kerala mural paintings are the frescos depicting mythology and legends, which are drawn on the walls of temples and churches in South India, principally in Kerala. Ancient temples, churches and palaces in Kerala, South India, display an abounding tradition of mural paintings mostly dating back between the 9th to 12th centuries CE when this form…
Kathakali (Malayalam: α┤òα┤Ñα┤òα┤│α┤┐, Sanskrit: αñòαñÑαñ╛αñòαÑçαñ│αñ┐αñâ) is a highly stylized classical Indian dance-drama noted for the attractive make-up of characters, elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion. It originated in the country’s present day state of Kerala during the 17th century and has developed…