Kerala Performing Arts
The rich and vibrant culture of Kerala has attracted people for ages. The real beauty of Kerala lays in the culture of this small heavenly land. The treasures of Kerala are its unique art forms which reflects the life and traditions of the people. From the renowned Kathakali to the folk dances every art form in Kerala reflects the rhythmic impulse and rituals of the intellect sensitive people in here. Religious and social history contributes to the origin of this performing arts thus making it an essential part of religious festivals and social events. Recently UNESCO has declared Koodiyattam, an art form of Kerala as one among the masterpieces of oral and intangible heritage of humanity. Its for the first time in the history of UNESCO selecting an art form across the world and giving it recognition.
The main themes of these performing art forms are religious. Traditionally these art forms are performed during festivals and in social gatherings and temples. Some of this art forms are night long events. These art forms helps in maintaining social interaction and bonding between people from different backgrounds. There are classical art forms and folk art forms. Important classical art forms of Kerala include Kathakali and Chakyarkoothu. Kathakali is the spectacular art form of Kerala based on drama, music and dance. Chakyarkoothu also called as Koothu is one of the oldest theatre art form. Apart from these many wonderful folk art forms are also an unavoidable part of Kerala tradition and culture. Main folk art forms of Kerala are Krishnanattam, Mohiniyattam,Thullal, Patakam, Theyyam , Kalampattu, Kavadiyattam, Sarpa pattu, Thidambu nritham, Padayani, Chavittunadakam, Pulikkali, Thiruvathirakkali, Margamkali, Kolkali, Duffu Muttu, Oppana etc. Margamkali is an art form famous among Syrian christians of Kerala. Oppana, the wonderful art form is a Muslim bridal group dance, where the bride sits in the centre and others move around her singing and clapping their hands in a rhythmic way.