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Mamangam this huge and wonderful festival is a replication of the cultural extravaganza that used to be held every 12 years by the Zamorins (ancient rulers of Kozhikode) in the middle ages. Royal families, principalities and chieftains from all over Kerala used to participate in this great cultural event which was held on the grounds of the Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple at Ponnani in the present day Malappuram district.
Mayilnritham / Mayilattom Peacock dance
Mohiniattom based on soft grace, gliding movements of the body, a circular use of the torso and a revolving in the half-bent position, with the toe and heel used in a flowing rhythmic structure. The dancer is dressed in gold and white, like the old Devadasis. It is a dance exclusive to women.
Mutiyettu considered to be the oldest ritual dance-drama of Kerala. It depicts the eternal theme of good versus evil. Based on the Puranic theme of Darikavadham (the killing of the demon Darika), it is performed in Kavus-temples dedicated to the Bhagavathi (Goddess).
Oppana Muslim bridal group dance performed the day before the wedding day.
Padayani a colorful ritual art is symbolic of the victory march of goddess Kali after she defeated the demon Darika. The art form has some resemblance to Theyyam.
Patakam similar to Koothu on gestures and movements, but the narration is through prose and song sequences. The costume is predominantly red - a red head dress and a red silk wrist band. The performer also wears heavy garlands around the neck and thick lines of sandal paste smeared across the forehead. Patakam is also performed outside the temples.
Poothamkali a folk art commonly performed in the Bhagavathy temples of Malappuram. Pootham is the character who accompanied Durga in her combat with Darika. The performers, usually three in number, undergo a week of austerities before the presentation. Colourful and intricately designed face masks carved out of the pala and murikku trees are the highlights of the attire. The fifteen minute performance starts slowly and works up to a frenzy towards the end. The thudi provides rhythm to the dance, performed at night.
Pulikali also known as Kaduvakali, it is a traditional art form in Kerala during festive seasons. Performers paint their bodies in bright yellow, red and black spots and lines to resemble tigers, and dance to the loud beats of percussion instruments like udukku and thakil. It is a common art form during Onam season.
Sarppa Pattu snake dance performed to satisfy the snake gods.
Thattumelkoothu a devotional dance performed on a special platform carried around the temple by devotees, even as the performance goes on.
Theyyam the most outstanding of the folk arts of Kerala, especially in the northern regions. Also called Thirayattam, (because every thira or village performed this ritualistic art at the village temple). This primitive ritualistic art demands long hours of preparation. The Theyyam or Kolam, represents a mythological, divine or heroic character. There are over 350 Theyyams in northern Kerala. The hood, headdress, face painting, breast plate, bracelets, garlands and fabric of attire of each of these kolams are distinct and meticulously crafted according to the character presented. The instruments used are chenda and veekuchenda (drums), elathalam and kuzhal (horn). This art form is mostly performed in Bhagavathy temples. Performances are carried out between October and May. Thira is the major subdivision of Theyyam.
Thidampu Nritham 700 years old ritualistic art form of north Kerala. The dancer moves to the rhythmic beats of the chenda carrying the thidampu on his head. Seven artists accompany him on percussion instruments while two others hold aloft the ritualistic lamps. The artists wear lots of jewellery and a decorated turban known as Ushnipeetam.
Tirayattam a ritual dance-drama whose origins are lost in antiquity. It is performed as part of festive celebrations in Kavus, temples of goddess in central Malabar. The dance to the accompaniment of indeginous instrument, takes place only at night, illuminated by torches made of clusters of coconut fronds.
Thiruvathira a beautiful dance usually performed on specially put up stages in connection with temple festivals. The costume is the traditional white mundu and melmundu of Kerala. The hair is gathered and put up at the side of the head and adorned with jasmine flower.
Thiyyattu a devotional offering to Bhadrakali and Sree Ayyappa. The performance usually starts at dusk. The artists sing and dance to the rhythmic music of the chenda, elathalam and chengila.
Tholpavakoothu an art originated in the 18th century. Also known as pavakoothu (puppet play) or nizhalattam (shadow play). An art of entertainment, is performed on the special stage called koothumadam in the temple courtyard. Puppets (pavakal) made of deer skin, usually representing four characters from the Ramayana, are arranged behind a long white screen, in front of bright wick lamps. The puppets are made to dance to songs from the Kamba Ramayana (the Tamil version of the epic). The performance starts late at night and extends till the morning.
Thullal a version of Koothu and is characterised by simplicity of presentation, wit and humour. The inventor of this art form is Kunjan Nambiar. The dancer himself sings the lead to the accompaniment of the maddalam and elethalam. The three forms of Thullal are - Ottanthullal, Seethankanthullal and Parayanthullal. Very colorful costumes.
Vadithallu resembles Kolkali, it is a folk dance performed holding short sticks in both hands.
Velakali a most elaborate and spectacular martial folk arts of Kerala.. Fifty or more performers in the traditional attire of soldiers, bearing colourful shields and swords or long canes, dance with war like steps in perfect orchestration to the resounding beats of the thakil, suddha maddalam, elathalam, kuzhal and trumpets. A few fighting techniques of Kalaripayattu are also displayed in the course of the performance.
