Traditional Art Forms of Kerala

The ancient and popular art form of Kerala. Kathakali is very much attractive and enjoyable for the foreigners. It’s a musical dance drama with elaborated costumes, gestures and traditional make-ups. It’s has been performing with additional sound drums and singing back-up. There will be many characters that perform in single stage just like a drama but there’ll be extreme artistic symbolization in acting. It had originated in 17th century.

Another important art form in the state, which is a poetic and humorous presentation of arts. It had founded by the ancient poet of Kerala named Kunjan Nambiar. There would only a single character who narrate a story and act all the characters in that story. Ottamthullal has gratefully know for its satire in language and flexibility in acting.

Koodiyattam is one of the most traditional art form of Kerala which has the legacy of almost 2000 years. It’s a Sanskrit theatre art performed by many characters in the stage. Epics and historical stories are used in this present the drama.

It’s the monologue performance art of South-India, especially Kerala. It’s well known for its humour and satire in the stories. This art form is also very interactive with audience. It’s the ancient version of modern stand-up comedy which the only performer who narrates the episode in Hindu Epics.

Theyyam is popular among the nation because of its facial make-up costumes. It’s cultural and ritual art form of people of Northern Malabar of Kerala. Every Theyyam is associated with the sample of their Goddess. This art form needs specific way of training and routine in artist’s life.

Oppana is the traditional musical dance form of Muslims in Kerala, especially city of Malappuram. This art form is associated with wedding ceremony of Muslim which performed by girls. The art form refers to the farewell of bride to the grooms house which done by the friends of bride. This form is very much popular in the youth festivals of Kerala.

Poorakkali is also a ritual art form of Northern Malabar which performed in the 9-days of festivals in Goddess Temples. It has been performed by men from selected castes and it involves different forms of art. They show their masculine and acrobatic talents without using separate musical back-ups.

It’s a religious group dance art form practised by the Christian community of Kerala. It’s being performed by 12 women dressed up with their traditional costumes and ornaments around big lamp. The rhythm of this art is very much attractive among the people. The success stories of Christian leaders are used to sing in this form.