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Bhagavathipattu the song of Bhagavathi, exists in many parts of kerala, variously called Mutipurapattu(the adoration of the crown of the Bhagavathi), and Nallamapattu, and performed differently by Brahmins, Theyyampadis and other castes.
Cherumarkali is a harvest dance in which dancers, both men and women, move in a swift rhythm, linking arms and donning red and white costumes.
Chakyarkoothu also known as Koothu, is one of the oldest classical theatre arts of Kerala. This is a solo dance performing at the koothambalams of temples with instruments like mizhavu and elathalam. Koothambalams are special stages set apart in temple compounds for the performance of temple art-forms. The performance begins with an invocation to the presiding deity of the temple. The narration is enlivened with the thandava dance movements, gestures and facial expressions developed according to the rules of the Natya Sastra. Koothu is noted the way the artist takes digs at current events and personalities, adding to its dramatic character. Any theme can be presented under this art. The costume is colourful, bordering on the bizarre, with a strange headgear.
Kaalavela a folk art, noted for the procession of huge, colorfully decorated images of bulls.
Kalampattu also called Kalamezhuthu pattu, is an ancient folk-artform of northern Kerala. This 600 years old artform is performed by a group five to fifteen people in Bhadrakali and Ayyappa temples. The ritual is performed around a kolam - an elaborate picture, usually of goddess Bhadrakali, drawn on the floor with five colors, and under the light of blazing torches. The singers are neatly dressed, the women wearing their hair on the side of the head. A series of special songs, kalampattu, are sung to the accompaniment of nanthuni and elathalam, two traditional musical instruments.
Kaliyoottu an eight day long colorful folk ritual which re-enacts the mythical combat between goddess Durga and the demon Darika. This folk ritual has various stages. On the last and eight day, a ritual called Paranettu - is performed on a specially designed 100 feet high stage on which both the actors work themselves to a frenzy for the climactic end.
Kanniyarkali a ritual art form with swift dance performed to the accompaniment of devotional folk songs and resounding beats of drum. Usually performed in Bhagavathy temples.
Kathakali this world famous art form evolved in the late 16th century from many other arts like Krishnanattom and Kootiyattam. in Kathakali we find the beauty of poetry, solace of religion and a dream that is larger and perharps more important than life with its vicissitudes and frustrations. The Magic of kathakali, with its wide range of expression, its symbolism, its costumes and makeyp make it one of the finest expressions of ancient culture, still meaningful and powerful in the modern world of today.
Kavadiyattam a ritualistic dance in Subramanya temples. The devotees wear colorful dresses. Kavadis are colorful bow-shaped wooden structures from six to ten feet tall, carried on their heads by the dancers. The Ambalakavadi is looks like and is decorated like a temple. The Pookavadi has stuck to it bunches of colorful paper, cloth or plastic flowers. The resounding beats of percussion instruments like udukku and chenda and that renowned wind instrument of south India, the nagaswaram, characterise the a kavadi procession.
Kolkali a group dance of the farming communities in Kerala. Twelve to twenty four dancers move rhythmically in a circle around the ceremonial lamp, tapping together the two-feet long wooden sticks that they hold.
Koothu it is a performing art reserved exclusively for the temple theatres in Kerala known as koothambalams. The play is fully in Sanskrit and is done in accordance with the Natya Shasthra. Performing this art form is the privilage of Chakiars an they are assisted by Nambiars and Nangiars. When it is peformed by one person alone, it is called Chakiarkoothu. When many performers enact a play, it is called Kootiyattam. ( Also see Chakiarkoothu)
Kootiyattam See Koothu
Krishnanattam a ritual dance in honor of one of the most famous gods of the Hindu pantheon, Sree Krishna. This group performance, based on the Sanskrit text Krishna Geetha, spans over eight nights. A dance with great importance for movements. The costume and makeup of Krishnanattam bear traces of resemblance to Kathakali and folk arts like Thiyattam, Mudiyettu and Theyyam. Musical instruments like maddalam, elathalam and chengila lend flavor to the performance. Krishnanattam is an important dance performed in the Guruvayoor temple.
Kummattikali a temple art, also known as the mask dance.
Kumbhamkali a folk ritual dance of devotees of Lord Krishna, who carry pots on the head.
Kumbhamthullal Kumbhamkali
Kuthiottam a ritual exclusive to Devi temples of South Kerala. A group dance with songs including those in praise of goddess Durga and other deities, padapattu or war songs and kalaripattu or martial songs. Instruments used are mainly percussions, ganjira, bells and chaplankatta. Faces decorated with paints and red curtains are used as partitions on the stage, to enhance the frightening effect.
