Kerala, God’s Own Country attracts a lot of tourists every year with its natural beauty and its rich cultural heritage as well, which always fascinated the world. All these art forms are performed during some celebration or festivity. The rich cultural heritage of Kerala portrays various art forms which are performed with the accompaniment of vocal and instruments music. Though most of these art forms are generally performed during festivals and celebrations, special shows are also performed for the convenience of tourists.

Koodiyattam

Koodiyattam, the classical Sanskrit drama performed in Kerala, has been recognized by UNESCO as a Human Heritage Art.  The word "Koodiyattam" literally means "acting together". It is the oldest existing classical theatre art form in the entire world, having originated much before Kathakali and most other theatrical forms in India. Koodiyattam has an attested history of a thousand years in Kerala, but its origin and evolution are shrouded in mystery. Koodiyattam is an amalgam of the classical Sanskrit theatre of ancient India and the regional theatre of Kerala. It believed that Kulasekhara Varman Cheraman Perumal, an ancient king of Kerala, who ruled from Mahodayapuram (modern Kodungallur in Thrissur district) reformed Koodiyattam, introducing the local language for Vidusaka and structuring presentation of the play to well defined units. Traditionally, the main musical instruments used in Koodiyattam are the  mizhavu ,  kuzhitalam ,  edakka ,  kurumkuzhal , and  sankhu . The mizhavu, the most prominent of these, is a percussion.

Chaakyaar Koothu

Koothu is an old classical theatre art form of Kerala. It is a solo dance performed in the “koothambalam” of temples with the accompaniment of mizhavu and elathalam - the percussion instruments. It is primarily a type of highly refined monologue. The story narrated are usually picked from Indian Epics and Puranas and is portrayed with the dance movements, gestures and facial expressions according to the the principles of Natya Sastra. It is marked for the presence of humour elements, which adds to its dramatic character. The costume worn during the performance is colourful and unconventional with an unusual headgear and facial make-up.

Kathakali

Kathakali is the most renowned art form of Kerala. The 300 year old classical dance drama holds a special place as an icon of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. Based on the guidelines written in the ancient text on dances- Natya Sastra, Kathakali is celebrated for it’s deep aesthetic nuances, intricate performance techniques, elaborate costumes and clearly defined training and presentation patterns. The performers do not speak or sing but enact the story through hand gestures, body movements and facial expressions especially of the eyes in the backdrop of vocal and instrumental music. The traditional themes of this art form are taken from the great Indian epics-Ramayana & Mahabharatha. 

Theyyam

Theyyam is a popular Hindu ritual of worship in North Kerala, predominant in the Kolathunadu area. Theyyam is performed as a ritual, and the performers undergo strict and intense preparation known as Vrutham, which includes fasting, daily rituals, prayers, meditation and a specially disciplined lifestyle. The performer holds a highly respected position among the village members, gaining status through seniority, performance skills and dedication. The costumes are significant, varying in style, complexity and component parts, according to the characters and their power. The headgear, known as Mudi, is the most crucial attribute of the Theyyam. Face masks, wooden breastplates (Marmula), breasts made of dry coconut shells, amulets, bangles, anklets, and other ornaments are used differently for each character. Theyyam skirts or waist dresses are crafted from coconut fronds, arecanut leaves and bamboo slivers. The face painting is done with natural colours such as rice flour, turmeric and charcoal. Red, symbolizing energy, power and anger, is the predominant colour in Theyyam make-up, traditionally made by mixing turmeric and limestone. Extensive fireworks, fire torches attached to the Mudi, and dancing in burning embers are common practices for certain Theyyam characters.

Padayani

Padayani is a ritual art form related to the godess temples in the central Kerala. Performed at night in the temple premises, the rituals of Padayani are a symbolic act for pleasing the Godess Bhadrakali whose fury remains unabated even after her victory over the mythical demon, Darikan. The duration of the festivals varies from seven to 28 days according to the number of villages participating and organising it. Padayani performance astonishes the audience with its splendid theatrical values. The performers wear colourful masks and spectacular head gears called Kolams which represent various Gods and Godesses. The materils used to prepare the Kolams are obtained from nature like for example the spathe of areca palm, tender coconut leaves, terra-cotta powder, charcol and turmeric powder. The performance of Padayani is a thanks giving for the good harvest which the villagers believed was not possible without the blessings of God or Goddesses.

Thullal 

Thullal is another art form Kerala with its distinct simplicity of presentation and its frank, outspoken wit and humour. The songs are in simple Malayalam and the techniques employed are not rigid. The performer will have the freedom to tease even the audience during his performance. Though Thullal is based on the classical principles of Naatya Saastra, it is said to have been a modification of Koothu-an old classical art form of Kerala. It organized by Kunjan Nambiar, a veritable genius and one of the foremost poets of Kerala.Three forms of Thullal are there such as Ottan Thullal, Seethankan Thullal & Parayan Thullal.

Mohiniyattom 

This is a distinctive classical solo dance art form of Kerala. The word Mohiniattam literary means “Dance of the enchantress”. Slow, graceful, swaying movements of the body and limbs are unique to this dance form. This art form has the blend of the grace of Bharata Natyam with the strength and force of kathakali. The costume for this dance is the traditional white mundu and melmundu of Kerala. In this dance the hairs gathered up at one side of the head and adorned with jasmine flowers in the traditional style.

Kalaripayattu (Martial art form) 

Kalaripayattu is the traditional martial art form and healing methodology of Kerala dating back to 6th century. Through a traditional system of bodily and mental development, this art seeks to cultivate not only a powerful physical warrior but more importantly, a person of deep inner self-knowledge and humility. This involves extremely energetic techniques of defence and attack. Kalaripayattu considered as one of the oldest and most scientific martial art form in the world. ‘Kalari’ is the place where boys and girls trained under a trainer respectfully called the ‘Gurukkal’. They are taught a set of body exercises as well as use of weapons like "kuruvadi"(short stick) and "sariravadi" (mace,spear,dagger,sword & shield). "Marmams" taught to the most promising of the lot which are vulnerable parts of the human body.

Velakali

Several art practices have originated not solely for entertainment or worship, but to promote military activities and martial skills, aiming to embed these practices in the younger generation. Travancore, or South Kerala, takes great pride in the martial art practice of Velakali. The visual of a Velakali performer has become an iconic symbol of the rich and strong warrior tradition of Travancore. Velakali, performed by Nair men (the traditional warrior community), signifies the Nair army of Travancore. Although this art form is performed as part of temple festivals, it is deeply rooted in the martial practice of Kerala - Kalaripayattu. The arrangement of a large group of performers on the open ground with swords and decorated shields, executing precise movements, is a true showcase of how warriors train their bodies and maintain discipline on the battlefield. Despite its martial origins, Velakali is a visual delight and a rhythmic spectacle.

Krishnanaattam 

Krishnanaattam is another art form of Kerala. It takes its origin from Krishna Geethi, initially composed by the Prince Manavedan (1595-1658) of Samuthiri Kovilakam and a contemporary of Vilwamangalam II. He described the story of Krishna in a theatrical presentation with great importance on music. Staging of Krishnanaattam is an important offering in the Sree Krishna temple, Guruvayur. It is also believed that Kathakali conceived from Krishnanaattam the dance drama on the life and activities of Lord Krishna created by the Zamorin of Calicut. The stories of Krishnanaattam are borrowed from the Bhaagavata, and are meant to be performed on eight successive nights. The series commences with Avataaram, the manifestation of Vishnu in his incarnation as Krishna, and is followed by kaaliyamardana, Raasakreeda, Kamsavadham, Swayamvaram, Baanayuddham, Vividhavadham and Swargaarohanam, each dealing with one major episode in his life. 

Maargamkali 

Margam Kali (Maargamkali) is also another art form of Kerala. It is one of the ancient round group dance of Kerala practiced by Saint Thomas Christians. It is difficult to trace the exact origin of the dance form and the compilation of the lyrics, but the dance form was practiced by the Saint Thomas Christians before the arrival of Portuguese missionaries in Kerala .The word "margam" means "path" and it was meant for the propagation of Christian religious ideas. Margamkali is performed mainly by men on festive occasions, especially during the time of marriage. The dance is performed by 12 members moving in a circle around a lighted oil lamp. The oil lamp denotes Christ and the dancers symbolizes his disciples. There is a traditional text which accompanies the Margamkali. It is in 14 strophes and has about 450 lines. This song is said to be of a period older than the Portuguese invasion of Kerala. The narration is not accompanied by any musical instrument.

Oppana 

Oppana is also a colourful wedding dance popular among the Muslim community in the northern districts of Kerala like Kannur, Kozhikode and Malappuram. The word Oppana supposedly comes from the Arabic word Afna. There are two kinds of Oppana; Oppana Chayal and Oppana Murukkam. Though predominantly a women’s entertainment dance, men too perform Oppana on certain occasions.The bride decked in finery and intricate ornaments and seated in the middle on a high seat called the peetam. The bride’s friends and other young ladies clap their hands rhythmically to the beat of the song and dance around her. There are about 15 performers including the musicians.

Pulikali 

Pulikali is also known as Kaduvakali, is a 200 year old art, is a colorful recreational folk art from of Kerala. Literal meaning of Pulikali/kaduvakali is the "play of the tigers" hence the performance revolve around the theme of tiger hunting. The folk art mainly practiced in Thrissur (Trichur) and Palghat districts of Kerala. Best place to watch the show is Swaraj Ground at Thrissur on the fourth day of Onam, where Pulikali troupes from all over the district assemble to display their skills. Men numbering three or more wear the masks of tiger, paint their bodies in yellow and black stripes and dance to the sound of udukku and thakil. Usually, they enact as being hunted by a game hunter or preying on goats.