25 Most Popular Art and Dance forms in Kerala [with Images]

Kerala is nothing less than a sanctum of “Kala” (Art). The cultural heritage and religious influence have been the main source of birth to many art forms in this land known as “God’s own country. The state is known to have its unique styles of art forms which mainly consist of mythological dance drama, colorful costumes, heavy make-up, and exquisite dance forms with mudras (Finger and palm movements) and vivid expressions.

While some of these art forms showcase different colors of emotions of human life in a dance drama or poetry, some exhibit craft skills and even martial art expertise. Let us get familiar with some of the most popular art and dance forms of Kerala:

25 Most Famous Art and Dance Forms of Kerala:

#1. Kathakali

Kathakali is one of the most popular dance forms not only in Kerala but also in India. This 300-year-old classical dance form has its own magnitude due to its unique dance movements, substantial mudras (movement of palm and hand), remarkable costumes, and spectacular presentation of human emotions through expressions.

The most attractive part of this art is the 5 types of make-up with paints of different colors which is known as Vesham. Each type of Vesham signifies a special character in the dance. These are Pacha, Kathi, Minukku, Kari, and Thadi. Mythological charters are played in the dance dramas of this art form.

#2. Mohiniyattam

The Mohiniyattam dance form is a very elegant classical dance form of Kerala. This ancient dance form is said to have its roots in temples of Kerala as it used to be performed by Devadasis in temples and this was the reason why it used to be called Dasiattam for centuries.

In this solo performance, a woman dresses in dazzling costumes and jewelry and captivates the audience with her subtle and elegant dance movements and interesting expressions.

This dance form has gained so much popularity in the last few years that many people from different parts of the world have started taking lessons in this art form.

#3. Theyyam

The most interesting fact about Kerala’s art form is that the majority of these have evolved from temple rituals involving the mythological stories of gods and goddesses. Theyyam is one of these types of rituals of North Kerala which is said to have 400 variations.

This art form is presented with the performers dressed in exotic makeup and vibrant costumes to the tunes of various musical instruments like Kurumkuzal, Chenda, Veekkuchenda, etc.

Many temples of Karivalloor, Kannur, Nileswaram, Cherukunnu, Kunnathoorpadi and many more places hold Theyyam performances every year.

#4. Ottamthullal

This art form is famous for its unique presentation but also for its entertainment factor. This ancient art form used to be presented to criticize the kings and leaders of society in a humorous way.

This solo performer wears green make-up and elaborates costumes and entertains the audience with hand movements, expressions, and jumping to evoke laughter from the audience.

Ottamthullal needs attention to be preserved as a valuable art form of Kerala as it is slowly losing its value and existence in the modern era.

#5. Kutiyattam

Kutiyattam is a famous temple art form. It is a drama which is presented by both men and women together.

This art form is based on Natyasastra wherein the male performers from the Chakkiyar community and female performers from the Nangiyar community perform inside the temples for 6 to 20 days.

The main attractions of this art form are the recitations of Sanskrit verses with a musical background of drums and cymbals.

#6. Nangiar Koothu

This solo dance performance which has been a traditional art form for more than 1000 years is a very famous art form in Kerala. In this dance form, Sree Krishna Charitham is presented by a female performer in the temples.

This performer is known as Nangyaramma. Mudras and the facial expressions of the performer enthrall the audience throughout the performance.

This art form can be enjoyed at some famous temples like Vadakkumnathan, Koodal Manikyam, Sri Krishna temple, etc.

#7. Kalaripayattu

This martial art form is the father of all modern martial art forms. This traditional fighting art form used to be practiced by the ancient warriors to gain strength and learn self-defense. This powerful art form involves vigorous activities like jumping, running, and somersault.

Some of the features of this combat form are oil massages, the use of various weapons like a dagger, sword, spears, etc., and involvement of medicinal practices.

#8. Velakali

This art form is a type of martial dance wherein the performers showcase highly energetic body movements with swords and shields to the tunes of musical instruments like Maddalam, Kombu, Kuzhal, etc in temples in South Kerala.

This performance is very famous at Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna temple where it was originated by the army chief Mathoor Panicker of the Chempakasserri army.

This dance form is believed to depict the war between the Kauravas and Pandavas in the great epic the Mahabharata.

#9. Kavadiyattam

Kavadiyattam is an important art form in all the Subramanya temples in Kerala. It is believed that Lord Subramanya had once made a peacock his vehicle and that is the reason devotees carry Kavadi which is a bow adorned with feathers of peacock along with other offerings to the gods during their long journey in the times of the festivals.

The offering is carried by the devotees by sticking those at the ends of a long pole. These devotees dressed in saffron robes and holy ash smeared on their bodies sing devotional songs and dance to ease out the pain of carrying the pole. This dance is known as Kavadiyattam.

#10. Patayani

This spectacular dance form is a famous dance form that is held in Kali temples in many places in Kerala. Patayani being a folk art form is performed in many villages and the villagers celebrate the season of Patayani with great enthusiasm and devotion.

The performers of this folk dancewear huge masks and enact the characters of mythological characters like Siva, Kali, demon Daarikan, etc. to present the story of killing the demon by the goddess Bhadrakali.

The whole vicinity of the temple gets illuminated with vibrant decorations, lively music, and divine dance drama.

Various art forms of Kerala prove that the state never fails to fulfill the expectations of its natives and visitors when it comes to deriving enlightenment and entertainment. Also, read Top Festivals to Enjoy in India in March.

List of other Popular Dance Forms of Kerala:

#11. Sanghakali

#12. Thiruvathirakali

13. Kakkarissi Kali

14. Marakkalattom

15. Poorakkali

16. Bhadrakali Thullal

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17. Arjuna Nritham

18. Mudiyettu

19. Dappu Kali

#20. Kolkali

#21. Kothamooriyattam

#22. Sarpam Thullal

#23. Ayyappan Vilakku

#24. Panna

#25. Kaduva Kali

These art forms of the state are a great combination of culture, religion, tradition, and creativity which captivate the imagination and spirit of the beholders in a way that they have left with no option other than craving for more. This is the reason Kerala plays host to a number of tourists throughout the year.

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