KOLKALI

It is a highly rhythmic dance with dancers wielding short sticks, is folk art of the agarian classes. The rhythm of this dance is set by tapping of the feet to the striking of sticks. The movement is circular and the artist sings as the dance and strike the sticks in unison.


 

Krishnanattam

 A spectale for both the scholar and simple rustic. The visual effect is enhanced by varied and colorful facial make up with larger the life-masks, made of light wood and cloth padding, for certain characters. The characters who do not wear masks have specific facial colors applied within the frame of a white chutti. The predominat colours used are dark green, flesh tint and deep rose. The characters of Krishna, Arjuna and Garuda wear dark blue vests. The traditional performance lasts for eight days and covers whole span of Krishna's life.

THEYYAM

It is as ritual dance form of Kerala, glorifying the mother Goddess. Themes revolve around the triumph of the Goddess over the Demon Daruka and other evil characters. Always performed by men, they also enact females roles wearing exotic make up and colorful costumes. Theyyam incorporates dance, mime and music and enshrines the rudiments of ancient tribal cultures which attached great importance of worship.
 

ARJUNANRITHAM

It is a ritual art performed by men and is prevalent in the Bhagavathy temples of Kerala. It is also called Mayilpeeli Nritham. This garment is worn around the waist in a similar fashion as the Uduthukettu of Kathakali.
 

KANYARKALI

Also known as Desathukali, is a folk art exclusively practised by the Nair community of Palakkad area. It owes its origin to the pursuit of martial arts in this region, which was under constant threat of attack from neighbouring Konganadu. The art form combines the agile movement of martial arts with the rhythmic grace of folk dance performed around a Nilavilakku.

VELAKALI

 
It is a spectacular martial dance performed by men in some of the temples of Southern Kerala. The dancers, clad in the traditional clothes and colourful headgear of the medieval Nair soldiers, engage in vigorous movements and dexterous sword play, to the accompaniment of an orchestra.

MARGOM KALI

 
It is a ritual folk art of the Syrian Christians of Kottayam and Thrissur districts. A dozen dancers sing and dance around a traditional Kerala lamp, clad in the simple traditional white dhoti.