Performing Arts

Classical Art forms

Kathakali

• Kathakali is a classical dance

form of Kerala, demanding
long years of training.
Believed to have evolved
from Ramanattam, another
classical art form composed
by Kottarakkara Thampuran,
Kathakali incorporates the
techniques of some of the
major ritual art forms of
Kerala.
• The characters of Kathakali do not speak and the story is
presented through songs from the background. This makes
Kathakali music a very important component of this art form.
The text of Kathakali songs is known as Attakkatha. Chenda,
Maddalam, Chengila and Elaththalam are the instruments used
with Kathakali music.
• Like most other classical dance forms of India, Kathakali is also
based on Natya Shastra, the ancient treatise on dance, written
by Sage Bharata. However, Kathakali relies on Hasthalakshana
Deepika, another classical text for its hand gestures.
• A Kathakali performance has different components or steps.
They are Keli, Arangu Keli, Thodayam, Vandana slokam,
Purappadu, Melappadam, Kathabhinayam and Dhanaashi. It
needs 6 to 8 hours to present the complete version of a
Kathakali play.
• The spectacular costumes and colourful make up are the other
major features of Kathakali. It takes 3-5 hours for the facial
make up of most of the characters. The make up and costume
of characters are designed to highlight their characters.
• To perform Kathakali, an artist needs minimum 4 to 5 years of
training. Kathakali was in peril and on the verge of extinction in
the beginning of 20th century. Renowned Poet Vallaththol
Narayana Menon and Manakkulam Mukunda Raja took the
initiative to set up Kerala Kalamandalam, a centre of
excellence for classical art forms at Cheruthuruthy in Thrissur.
Since then Kerala Kalamandalam works for the revival of this
great art form.
• Stories for Kathakali are often taken from Hindu mythology and
Indian epics. Kottayaththu Thampuraan, Unnayi Warrier,
Irayimman Thampi, Vayaskara Moos etc. are some of the major
contributors of Attakkatha or the text for Kathakali. The main
Kathakali plays include Kalyana Sougandhikam, Nala
Charitham, Uththara Swayam varam, Duryodhana Vadham,
Bali Vadham , Santhana Gopalam etc.
•
Koodiyattam
• The ancient Sanskrit theatrical
art form of the state, Kutiyattam
is Kerala’s distinctive stage
interpretation of the very early
Sanskrit drama as dance drama.
Kutiyattam (Koodiyattam),
which is around 2000 years old,
has been accepted as one of
the 'Masterpieces of Oral and
Intangible Heritage of Humanity'
by the UNESCO.
• It is usually performed only in temple theatres known
as Koothambalam by members of the Chakyar and Nambyar castes
till the first half of the 20th century. Only through rigorous training
lasting many years one can aspire to master the craft of Kutiyattam.
• The word Kutiyattam literally means "acting together". There are four
methods or types of acting has been mentioned in Sage
Bharata’s Natya Shastra – aangikam (expression using different
parts of the body), vaachikam (expression through speech),
sathvikam (expression of physical reactions to emotions)
and aahaaryam (expression through costume, ornaments and
props) are all woven into Koodiyattam performances.
• A typical Koodiyattam performance involves elaborate and
lengthy acting sequences using hand gestures and distinctive
modes of acting like Ilakiyaattom,
Pakarnnaatttom and Irunnaattom.
• As mentioned before, Kutiyattam performances are based on
Sanskrit plays. However, only a part of the play is enacted.
Thus the performance is named not after the play but usually in
terms of an event that is in focus. As such,
like Vichinnabhishekam,
Mayaseethankom and Shoorppanakhaankom. Ankom literally
means chapter.
• Today, the presentation of a single ‘ankam’ from one of these
plays takes upto eight days where as in the earlier days it took
upto 41 days to complete a single chapter.

The Mizhavu is the main instrument used as accompaniment in

a Kutiyattam performance. Others include Idakka, Shankhu,
Kurumkuzhal and Kuzhithaalam.
• The temples with koothamablams (temple theatres) for
Kutiyattam performance are Thirumandhamkunnu,,
Thiruvaarppu, Thiruvaalathur (Kodumba), Guruvayoor,
Arppokkara, Kidangoor, Peruvanam, Thiruvegappuram,
Moozhikkulam, Thirunakkara, Harippadu, Chengannur,
Iringalakkuda and Vadakkumnatha, Thrissur.
Nangyarkoothu

• Nangyarkoothu, a classical art

form of Kerala, is a popular
temple art form of Kerala. The
art form was performed by
Nangyars, the female members
of the Nambiar community and
hence this name. This art form
evolved from Kutiyattam, is
performed by females only and
the very same facial make up
and costumes of the female
characters of Kutiyattam are
used for this too.
• Srikrishna Charitham, the story of Lord Krishna is the story
often presented in Nangyarkoothu (Nangyar Koothu). It takes
12 days to present the entire story. Mizhavu, a percussion
instrument is used for the background score. There is no
dialogue and the story is presented via hand gestures. This too
was presented only in Koothambalams or temple theaters
within temple premises in the earlier days.
Chakyar Koothu

• Koothu is an art form in which

the stories of Hindu mythology
and epics are orally rendered
primarily with the support of
acting and hand gestures. In
the olden days, it was confined
to temple premises. Only the
members of the Chakyar
community performed this art
form and hence the name
Chakyar Koothu. This was
performed in temple theatres
called Koothambalam.
• In Chakyar Koothu the entire story is presented by a single
performer. The costumes are that of a court jester. Facial make-
up is done with rice powder, turmeric powder and black powder.
He wears an ornament in one ear and a betel leaf in the other.
An accompanying artist plays the percussion instrument
Mizhavu in the background.
•
• The highlights of Chakyar Koothu, is satire, social criticism,
humor and related stories or episodes presented during the
performance. In the olden days of royalty, the Chakyar had the
right to criticise even the King and his acts while performing.
The practice was that the audience should listen to the
Chakyar and accept his criticisms. Any opposition to
comments made by the Chakyar while performing would have
led to an end in the performance of the art form in that
premises for ever.
Krishnanattam

• The art form Krishnanattam (literally knwon as Dance of

Krishna) was composed by King Manavedan of Kozhikode.
King Manavedan wrote Krishnageethi based on the renowned
poet Jayadeva's Gitagovinda. This work in Sanskrit presents
the story of Lord Krishna and the art form Krishnanattam
originated from this.
• Krishnanattam combines artistic elements of Ashtapadiyattam,
a dance form evolved in Kerala based on
Jayadeva's Gitagovinda. (However, Ashtapadiyattam ceased
to exist almost a century ago.)
• In Krishnanaattam the story of Krishna right from his birth to his
ascent to heaven is presented in eight parts. In the olden days,
it was performed in eight days. There is no dialogue. The
actors render in accordance with the songs from background.
Chengila, maddalam and Elathalam are the accompanying
musical instruments. The make up and costumes are colourful
and vibrant.
Martial Arts

• Kalaripayattu is the traditional martial art form of Kerala. But

there are many art forms resembling martial arts. Art forms with
aggressive movements, display of weaponry skills, ritual
offering to war Gods, and art forms focusing on physical fitness
can come under this category. There are certain art forms
which contain movements similar to martial arts. Kambadi Kali,
Velakali, Poorakkali, Duffmuttu, Sanghakkali, Padayani,
Margam Kali etc. come under this category.
•
Tribal art forms
Gadhika

• Adiya, a tribal community living in and around Anchukunu,

Kuppathodu, Payyamballi and Thalassery of north Kerala, like
any other tribal’s has various ritual practices for invoking their
Gods and Goddesses. Gadhika is one such art from practiced
among the Adiya community to drive away severe illnesses
and diseases, which they believe is caused due to God’s dislike/
anger towards them.
• The performers held under the leadership Moopan, chieftain of
the tribe, will be dressed up red. There are two types of
Gadhika, one is the Nattu Gadhika - held for the goodness of
their village as a whole and the other Pooja Gadhika,
performed for ritualistic purposes, mainly to cure illness.
• Held annually, the performers of Gadhika will dance and move
rhythmically and are accompanied by musicians who play wind
instruments and drums popular among the tribal communities.
The rhythmic dancing of the participants is said to welcome the
gods.
• Thanks to the chief performer, late P.K. Kaalan, the then
Moopan of the tribe and former Chairman, Kerala Folklore
Academy is the sole person who helped Gadhika to showcase
this tribal art to the world.
Dance and Songs of Irular

• Irular is an ethnic group lives mainly in Attappady,

Perinthalmanna and Chittoor regions in Palakkad district of
Kerala. A tribal group, who has their own lifestyle, less
concerned about the outside world, worships Nature as Gods.
Besides Nature, Irular worships Lord Shiva, Goddess
Bhadrakali and many other tribal deities like Bairamma,
Mariyamma, Ellamma etc. The priest of Irular is known
as Mannookkaran. They also possess various superstitious
beliefs and also believe the presence of spirits in humans and
objects.
• Irulars treasure and preserve variety and colourful art forms
which are related to various rituals. Mattu Pongal is the
common festival observed by the Irulars and Kurumbalam is an
art form related to agricultural practices and also performed for
marriage functions. They also have ritual dance and music to
accompany death rites and which will be sung in circle by both
men and women. Irular has a wealthy collection of songs for
various dances and some among them are , Odayooru,
Thekkumala and Valli Valli.
• Another popular dance is the Elelam Karady, also known as
the dance of bears and is related to the hunting tradition of
them. This art form symbolizes the fight of the people against
wild bears which often attack their habitat.
• Peeki (a wind instrument), Maram (a drum like instrument) are
the common musical instruments used by Irular for their dance
and songs.
Kaanipattu

• Kaanikar is one of the tribal settlements in Thiruvananthapuram

district that stands out to be an important place in the history of
Travancore. In history it is said that, it was the kaanikar who
saved Marthanda Varma from the attacks of Ettuveettil Pillai
(Nobles of the Eight Houses - a group of nobles from the eight
Nair houses in erstwhile Venad).
• Kaanikar have their own distinct rituals and they worship
Maladaivangal and Chamundi as their deities. They possess a
rich repertoire of songs for their cultural tradition and rituals and
are commonly referred to as Kaanipattu. The songs are
rendered in a peculiar manner and the theme varies from
praising Gods, evolution of the earth, activities of the souls, and
prayers for mental peace. They have harvest songs also. The
instruments used for Kaanipattu are para and kokara (kuzhal).
Paliya Nritham

• Paliya Nritham is the traditional art form of Paliya tribe in Idukki

district, Kerala. Though ‘Ezhamathu Palichi’ is their ancestral
god, Paliya tribes are true devotees of Mariyamma. Paliya
Nritham or Paliya dance is an art form performed during the
festivals held at Mariyamma temple.
• Performers wear colourful dresses made of the bark of Acacia
Instia (Soap Bark) and other naturally made costumes. Mulam
Chenda (a percussion instrument made of bamboo), Nagara,
Udukku, Urumi, Jara and Jalanka are the musical instruments
used for paliya nritham
Mudiyattam

• Mudiyattam is a tribal group dance form performed widely in

Kerala by women. Moves rhythmically according to the songs
in the background, the performance will be accompanied by the
engaging tunes of percussions. One of the main features of this
dance form is the uncombed hair of the participants which will
swing in rhythmic waves and is graceful watch.
• Many varieties of this art form can be seen throughout the
Kerala, it is also called Neeli attam in North Kerala. Maddalam,
Para, Maram, Karu, Kokkaro are the major accompanying
instruments for Mudiyattam. In some places instruments like
Chenda, Tappu, Udukku, Kadumthudi and Kaimani are also
used.
• Mudiyattam is characterised by the graceful movements of the
head and wonderful vitality.
Folk arts
Oppana

• Oppana is a song and dance performance popular among the

Muslims of Malabar. It is commonly seen at their various festive
occasions like weddings, ceremonies held to herald puberty
and so on. Apart from being a component of all Muslim
weddings - what it is most well-known for - the Oppana is also
performed on the occasion of a Maarkkakalyanam, a
Vayassariyikkal, and a Naalppathukuli.
• The Arabic word Afna is the root word for Oppana. According
to some, the origins of Oppana can be traced back to Ishal, a
musical element of the Mappilapaattu, another art form of the
Malabari Muslims. There are separate types of Oppanas for
both men and women.
• There are two styles of singing in the Oppana. These are the
Oppana chaayal and the Oppana murukkam. In the Oppana
chaayal, the singers do not clap their hands to the beat of the
song whereas in the parts of the song which incorporates the
murukkam, clapping accompanies the singing. Usually, an
Oppana performance starts and ends with chaayal.
 Kummattikkali
• Kummattikkali, prevalent in the districts of Palakkad,
Trichur and Wayanad, is a folk art form performed during
the malayalam months of Makaram and Kumbham. In
some places it is considered as entertainment program,
especially during the Onam [Link] is also a popular
belief that the ritual Kummatti resembles the dance of
Bhoothas of Lord Shiva to his command.
•
Chavittu Natakam
• Chavittu Natakam, a colourful and vigorous theatre form,
is considered to be a folk art form noted for its attractive
make-up of characters, their elaborate costumes, detailed
gesture, and well-defined body movements. It is believed
that the art form flourished at Kodungalloor in Kerala with
the spread of Christianity.
• The Portuguese are supposed to have introduced this art
form in Kerala. Chinna Thampi Pilla and Vedanayakan
Pilla are considered to be the originators of this art form.
The influence of the western visual art opera can be
discerned in Chavittu Natakam.
• Art forms like Kathakali and Kalaripayattu have also
influenced Chavittu [Link] most attractive feature
of Chavittu Natakam is the artistes stamping the floor
producing resonating sounds to while dancing hence it is
also called Stamping Drama. This folk-drama dance takes
place on a stage that is referred to as ‘thattu’. The ‘thattu’ is
laid with planks of wood. The exquisite costumes of the
artistes portray the characters on stage. Generally, the
costumes resemble ancient Greek-Roman soldiers and
European [Link] like Chenda, Padathamber,
Maddalam and Ilathalam, provides background music.
These days Tabala, Fiddle, Flute and Bulbul are also played.
•
 Kolkali

• Kolkali is a folk art performed in north Kerala. Usually,

there are about 16 performers on stage who move about in
a circle, striking small sticks and keeping rhythm with
special steps. The circle expands and contracts as the dance
progresses. Here, one can see two groups of players, one
inside and the other outside. As they keep changing
positions, this is termed as ‘Kolkali’. Even then, the players
come back to their original positions.
•
• The pitch of the music rises and the dance reaches its
climax. Akin to Poorakali, Kolkali has also drawn elements
from Kalaripayattu. The body postures, choreography and
foot work are very similar to that of Kalaripayattu.
 Mangalam Kali
• Mangalam Kali is a folk dance performing as
entertainment mainly performed during marriage
functions. As it was related to Mangalam or auspicious
functions, it came to be known as Mangalam kali.
Common among Pulaya, Kurava, Malaya and Theeya
communities in Kerala and Mangalam Kali is still
prevalent among Mavila community in its purest form.
•
• Mavilar has different types of songs for Mangalm Kali
related to the occasions. They have this art form for
Thalikettu (Marriage) Mangalam, Thirandu
(announcement and celebration of puberty) Mangalam
and Kathu Kuthu (ear piercing ritual) Mangalam and so on.
Different communities have their own style of
performance and Pulaya communities uses Para and
Kunnupara as musical instruments. And mavilar uses
about seven numbers of Thudi for their performance. A
group of thirty people will dance and sing to the music in
circle with fast rhythmic steps.
 Kakkarissi Natakam

• Kakkarissi Natakam is a folk art form popular in Central

Travancore. This muscial dance drama has a peculiar
structure. The protagonist in most of the plays is known
as Sundara Kakaan. Besides there are other characters
like Kakkathis, Vedan etc. The handsome Sundara Kakaan
is the representative of the Kakkala community (a
nomadic tribe of fortune-tellers). With dance steps and
songs, they perform on stage.
•
 • Scenes are enacted with dialogues, music and songs as in
the erstwhile musical plays. The instruments used are
Harmonium, Mrudangam, Ganchira and [Link]
play opens with a welcome song. Then enters the
Kakkalan. He comes with a fire – torch raised. He dances
to rhythmic beats. ‘Thampuran’ will be seated on the
stage as the questioner. The question – answer session
between the ‘Thampuran’ and kakkalan moves the play
forward. The play progresses with song and [Link]
Kakkarissi Natakam depicts social criticism, satire etc.
•
 Kanyarkali

• Kanyarkali is a folk dance ritual performed in Bhagavati

temples and Vettakorumakan Temple of Palakkad district. The
kali (play) is presented by members of the Nair community to
propitiate [Link] dance is performed at night for four
consecutive nights. The dance ends at dawn.
• The dances begin with the men of the community gathering in
the temples and performing a rhythmic circular dance called
Vattakali. Vattakali is a ritual, it is followed by Purattukali, an
entertainment. Purattu literally means farce. Just before the kali,
kelikottu is done heralding the beginning of the main play. In
most places, the play begins at eight at night.
•
 Arjuna Nritham (The dance of Arjuna)

• The Arjuna Nirtham also known as Mayilpeeli Thookam, is

a ritual art of Kerala performed in the Bhagavati temples
of south Kerala, mainly at Kollam, Alappuzha and
[Link] Nritham or the ‘dance of Arjuna’ is
supposed to have evolved from Arya – Dravidian culture.
• The belief is that soon after the Kurukshetra war, Arjuna
danced before Bhadrakaali in order to appease her. This
ritual art form is performed by men of Vilkurup and
Ezhava communities. It is staged at night.
• The dance is performed in front of a lighted traditional
lamp. The characters wear special garments. The face is
painted green and all the performers wear distinctive
headgears. This Nritham (dance) came to be known as
Mayilpeeli Thookam probably because the costume
includes a characteristic garment made of Mayilpeeli
(peacock feathers). The garment is worn around the waist.
•
 Mudiyattam

• Mudiyattam is a tribal group dance form performed widely in Kerala

by women. Moves rhythmically according to the songs in the
background, the performance will be accompanied by the engaging
tunes of percussions. One of the main features of this dance form is
the uncombed hair of the participants which will swing in rhythmic
waves and is graceful watch.
• Many varieties of this art form can be seen throughout the Kerala, it
is also called Neeli attam in North Kerala. Maddalam, Para, Maram,
Karu, Kokkaro are the major accompanying instruments for
Mudiyattam. In some places instruments like Chenda, Tappu, Udukku,
Kadumthudi and Kaimani are also [Link] is characterised
by the graceful movements of the head and wonderful vitality.
•
RITUAL ARTS
 Theyyam

• Theyyam is a popular Kerala dance form of the Malabar

region of Kerala, and has been practiced by the people for
thousands of years. A Dravidian art form, it is a sacred
ritual dance to worship the Goddess Kali. It encompasses
dance, mime and [Link] ceremonious dance is
accompanied by the chorus of such musical instruments as
Chenda, Elathalam, Kurumkuzal and Veekkuchenda. There
are over 400 separate Theyyams, each with their own
music, style and choreography.
• The most prominent among these are Raktha Chamundi,
Kari Chamundi, Muchilottu Bhagavathi, Wayanadu
Kulaven, Gulikan and [Link] wear heavy make-
up and adorn flamboyant costumes. The headgear and
ornaments are truly majestic and fill one with a sense of
awe and wonder. This dance form is usually performed in
front of the village shrine, along with the drummers. The
word “Theyyam” is considered to be a modified form of the
word “Daivam”, which means God.
•
 Thirvathirakali

• Thirvathirakali is a dance performed by women in order to

attain everlasting marital bliss. This dance is performed in
the Malayalam month of “Dhanu” (December-January).
This extremely popular dance of Kerala is performed to
celebrate marital fidelity and female energy. The sinuous
movements of this dance, which is executed by a group of
dancer around a “nilavilakku”, signifies the amorous
charm and the grace of the feminine. The dance is defined
by a circular pattern accompanied by the clapping of
hands and [Link] songs are often narrations from the
folk epics. Thiruvathirakali is performed often during
festive seasons like Onam.
•
 Kalaripayattu

• Kalaripayattu is a Dravidian martial art of Kerala. It is

believed that it is one of the oldest fighting systems in the
world. This art form involves perfect coordination
between body and [Link] term 'Kalari' means 'school'
and 'Payattu' means 'fight' or' to put hard work into'.The
training begins with an oil massage of the entire body until
it is agile and supple.
• Feats like chattom (jumping), ottam (running) and
marichil (somersault) are also integral parts of the art form.
An ancient martial art form that’s thought to be the first in
the world, its origins point to traditional modes of warfare.
Participants—often equipped with swords, daggers, shields,
and wooden weapons—leap through the air in twining
forms, and lunge and feint acrobatically. Another focus of
Kalaripayattu is specialisation in indigenous medicinal
practices. Kalaris are also important centres of religious
worship.
•
 Kaliyoottu

• Kaliyoottu is a ritual art form associated with Goddess

Bhadrakali belief and is mainly popular in the temples of
Thiruvananthapuram district. In Thiruvananthapuram,
the kali temples are also known by the name
of Mudipurakal, as its believed that Bhadrakali’s hair is
retained in Mudipura.
• There is a legend which says that Goddess Bhadrakali was
born from the hair of Lord [Link] priest of Mudipura,
known as Vathis, is the chief priest for Kaliyoottu. Donning
the role of Bhadrakali, the Vathis performs a ritual known
as kalamkaval.
• After kalamkaval and aniyarakettu (preparations for the
performance), a ritual drama is played on the [Link] of
the main rituals of Kaliyoottu is the Thottampattu. It
requires 48 days for singing
the Bhadrakalithottampattu completely. The most
important function of Kaliyoottu is the Uchabali conducted
for pleasing the Goddess.
• Having been possessed as the Devi, the priest dances in a
frenzy sprinkling rice, areca flowers and ash. Sacrifice is
also conducted following which a solider sent by Darikan
(a demon king) destroys the Balikalam (ritual drawaing).
Kali using her spear overpowers the soldier and he is
rolled, covered in mat and is taken away.
• Thus uchabali comes to an end and what follows next is Dikkubali,
which is similar to Uchabali. Bhadrakali goes in search of Darikan
fromhouse to house and will not be able to find Darikan and in anger
sits on a fast for 8 [Link] follows the Paranettu, a fight between
Darikan and Bhadrakali in the skies.

• After that, the battle takes place on the ground and after the seventh
battle, Bhadrakali beheads Darikan. The performance comes to an
end when Bhadrakali and Darikan return to Mudipura after the
arattu (holy bath).
• Kaaliyoottu is a powerful ritual art form, where the entire village
turns out to be the stage of performance which blends the elements
of drama and ritual.
•
 Poorakkali

• Poorakkali is a ritual art form performed in the Bhagavathi

temples and sacred groves across North Kerala. Performed
during the nine day Pooram festival (mainly held during
the Malayalam month of Meenam) in Bhagavathy temples,
this art form focuses mainly on rhythmic foot steps
resembling the movements of martial artform. The name
Poorakkali literally means play on Pooram day. Originally,
this was an artform of the women folk but today it is
performed by men.
• The Poorakkali performance begins after a series of
ceremonies and has many ritual components such as
Pooramala, Ganapathy Paattu, and hymns in praise of
Goddess Saraswathi, and Lord Sreekrishna before the
performance. The stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata
are narrated in the songs.
•
 Velakali

• Velakali is a ritualistic martial art form performed by men

in some of the temples of southern Kerala. Velakali
originated in Ambalappuzha where Mathoor Panicker,
chief of the Chempakasserri army, to boost the martial
spirit of the people. Dancers wear colourful and attractive
costumes similar to that of the Nair soldiers of the olden
days. The dancers carry a painted shield in the left hand
and a stick (Churikakkol) in their right hand and the
performance resembles the actions in a battle. Percussion
instruments like Thakil, Shudhamaddalam, Ilathalam,
Kombu, and Kuzhal are used.
•
• The Velakali is performed Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna
Swamy Temple during the annual festivites, Sree
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram,
Mavelikkara Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Harippad
Subramanya Swamy Temple and Cherthala Bhagavathi
Temple.
•
 Margam Kali

• Margam Kali is a ritual art form popular among certain

sects of the Christian community of Kerala. Rhythmic
movements and songs are the major attractions. The
participants wear traditional costumes and [Link]
movements of this art form are very difficult and it needs
rigorous training to master this art form. The songs are
mostly devotional. The word "Margam" means path or way
or solution in Malayalam. In the religious context it refers
to the path to attain salvation.
•
 Duffumuttu

• Duffmuttu is a ritual art form prevalent among Muslims in the

Malabar region of Kerala. Duff is a percussion instrument made of
wood and ox [Link] is performed as a tribute to heroes and
martyrs. It is performed as social entertainment and to
commemorate festivals. The singers sway their bodies to the tempo
of the song which is set by the rhythmic beats of the duff.

• In the beginning the songs were in Arabic language. Over the years it
transformed and songs in other languages are sung [Link]
Ratheeb is a Duffmuttu religious ritual. Muslims used Dapp Ratheeb
in their prayers. This is also known as Kuth [Link] in the
past Duffmuttu was performed by the male members only, today with
some restrictions women are also allowed to perform Duffmuttu.
•
 Kuthiyottam

• Kuthiyottam is a ritual art performed in Bhadrakali

temples of Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram
districts and is conducted in the Malayalam month of
Kumbham (February/March).The rituals of kuthiyottam
begin with the raising of the pandal (temporary thatched
shed) and Devi’s position (Devisthanam) is marked.
• The pandal is decorated with leaves of different trees like
banyan, mango, areca and coconut. The children
participating in Kuthiyottam are taught the dance steps in
this pandal. Once the Goddess’ position is marked, nirapara
and niranazhi are placed on a plantain leaf in front of
Devisthanam. The offerings include coconut, kadhali
pazham (a kind of banana), malar (roasted rice), aval (rice
flakes), sarkara (jaggery) and kalkandam (rock sugar).
Every day deeparadhana and pattu sadya are held at
Devisthanams.
•
 Kalamezhuthum Pattum

• Kalam, a unique drawing of Kerala is a ritual art form as

old as the Sanghom Age. Kalams occupy an important
place in Kerala’s rituals and figures of favourite Goddesses
are drawn on the floor using powders. Songs are rendered
to appease the figures/deities. Coloured powders are used
for preparing the kalam. Primarly, five natural colours are
used – white, black, yellow, green and red. For making the
colours various natural products are used.