Kathakali Dance in Kerala | HolidayLandmark

About Kathakali Dance

Kathakali is the one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. It originated in the area of south western India now known as the state of Kerala, which dates from the 17th centuryKalamandalam Ramankutty Nair and is rooted in Hindu mythology. Kathakali has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance.. Kathakali is a grouppresentation, in which dancers take various roles in performances traditionally based on themes from Hindu mythology, especially the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Kerala is known the world over by its own performing art form, the Kathakali. “Katha” means story and “Kali” stands for dance. This is a form of dance formerly confined only to the festival stages in temples. Kathakali also symbolizes a blending of the Aryan and Dravidian cultures, for shaping its technique. This dance form assimilated various elements, which it borrowed freely from the dances, dramas and ritual performances associated with these cultures. Detailed gestures and well-defined body movements (presented in tune with anchor playback music and complementary percussion) are some other notable features of the dance. Elaborate masks, huge skirts and big head-dresses are uniquely used by the performers of Kathakali. Kathakali has three groups of performers, including actor/dancers, vocalists and percussionists. Without one another is not possible. The actor or dancers play a variety of roles, including those of kings, gods, demons, heroines, animals, priests, etc. Each role has a particular style of makeup and costume as its code.The body movements and footwork are very rigourous. To attain the high degree of flexibility and muscle control required for this art, a Kathakali dancer undergoes a strenuous course of training, and special periods of body massage.There are 24 basic gestures with many permutations and combinations, which together, convey ideas, feelings, objects and actions. Through his facial expressions and eye-movements a dancer conveys emotions like love, passion, laughter, ridicule, sorrow, pity, horror, disgust, tranquility, heroism and wonder. To attain the high degree of flexibility and muscle control required for this art, a Kathakali dancer undergoes a strenuous course of training

The orchestra of a Kathakali performance includes two drums known as the chenda and the maddalam, along with cymbals and another percussion instrument, the ela taalam. Normally, two singers provide the vocal accompaniment. The style of singing particular to Kathakali is called Sopaanam. The orchestra of a Kathakali troupe is unique and provides not only the background to the dancing, but also serves as a highly expressive special effects team. In olden days Kathakali performance mostly took place on a temple premises or at the house of a local landlord. For a typical performance, a simple temporary pandal at a height of 101/2 feet will be erected. A minimum of 12 feet-square (144 sq. feet) is needed for the acting area. A green room will also be located close to the stage. Kathakali costuming is intricate, elaborate and colourful and it takes 2 to 3 hours for the make up. The costume and make-up transform the actor mentally and physically to portray the character.Aattakkadhakal (stories for dance), the poetic compositions of legendary stories to special metric scale, set to music in classical Carnatic style are danced out.A traditional Kathakali performance begins in the evening and continues throughout the night, culminating at the auspicious hour of dawn, when Good finally conquers Evil.

The 5 main types of make up are:

Minukku (Prettying Up): This make up is used for female characters and sages.
Thadi (Beard): Some characters require a beard and the bearded look is again of 3 types
Pacha (Green): The color green is used for noble characters.
Kathi (Knife): This make up is used to portray villainous characters.
Kari (Black): Black colored make up is used for demonesses.

Black Beard: Used for the character of a hunter.
White Beard: For super human noble characters, like monkey God Hanuman.
Red Beard: Used for evil characters.

Usefull Links

http://tigdhaa.blogspot.com/2009/11/introducing-kathak-as-indian-classical.html
http://jerrisimoindia2009.blogspot.com/2009/11/this-was-short-demonstration-of.html
http://kollywoodhots4you.blogspot.com/2009/08/hrithik-does-kathakali-dance.html
http://tiatracademy.blogspot.com/2009/10/kathak-dance-festival-at-kala-academy.html

History of Kathakali Dance

Kathakali is thought to have originated from pioneer dance-drama forms - Ramanattam and Krishnanattam. The word “attam” means enactment. These two forms of dance, along with Kathakali, dealt with presentation of the stories of Hindu Gods Rama and Krishna. Kottarakara Thampuran, the ruler of the south Kerala province of Kottarakkara, composed several plays on the Ramayana, which led to the evolution of Kathakali. Today, Ramanattam and Krishnanattam forms have become completely extinct, but the story plays continue to be a part of Kathakali. It originated in the 16th century AD, approximately between 1555 and 1605, and has been improved miraculously over the years.

Location info

kerala.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from homestays to luxury resorts. Kerala’s homestay network is excellent and offers authentic local experiences.

Climate & weather

Kerala has a tropical monsoon climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are a pleasant 22°C–30°C with low humidity and clear skies. March–May is hot and humid (up to 36°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall — the landscape transforms into lush green and this is the best time for Ayurvedic treatments. The northeast monsoon (October–November) brings shorter showers. Hill stations (Munnar, Wayanad) remain cooler year-round.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364 (toll-free, 24×7). Police: 112 (all-India emergency). Ambulance: 108. Women’s Helpline: 1091. Kerala Police Tourist Helpline: +91-471-2722255.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Kathakali Dance

Kathakali Dance performances are held throughout the year. Kathakali performances are typically evening events (6:30 PM onwards). Theyyam performances are seasonal and linked to specific temple festivals, primarily between November and May. Cultural centres in major cities offer regular performances for tourists.

How to reach Kathakali Dance

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Timings & opening hours

Cultural performances (Kathakali, Theyyam, Mohiniyattam) typically take place in the evenings. Kathakali performances usually start at 6:30 PM–7:00 PM and last for about 2–3 hours. Theyyam performances occur at specific temple festivals and timings vary.

Entry fee & tickets

Kathakali performance tickets: INR 200–500 per person. Theyyam performances during festivals are free to watch. Dance festivals and cultural centres may charge INR 100–500 for entry. Some performances are included in temple festival events (free).

Duration needed

Kathakali performances: 2–3 hours. Theyyam performances: 30 minutes to 2 hours per performance (festivals have multiple performances throughout the day).

Safety tips

Kathakali and other dance performances are well-organised cultural events — follow venue rules. Arrive early for good seats. Photography may be restricted during performances (no flash). Some performances (like Theyyam) occur at temple grounds — follow temple customs.

Things to carry

A camera (check performance photography rules — flash is generally prohibited), a light sweater or wrap for evening performances (many venues are open-air), and comfortable seating. Some Theyyam venues are temple grounds — carry modest covering as required.

Nearby visiting places

Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Cherai Beach, Bolghatty Island, Marine Drive, Chinese Fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala Kathakali Centre, St. Francis Church

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Things to do at Kathakali Dance

Watch a live Kathakali/Mohiniyattam/Theyyam performance, arrive early to see the elaborate makeup application process (for Kathakali), learn about the mudras (hand gestures) and expressions used in the dance, take photographs (where permitted), visit the green room to see performers preparing, attend a lecture-demonstration (offered by many cultural centres), and buy traditional dance-related souvenirs like Kathakali masks.

Things to visit & highlights

The elaborate costumes, makeup, and facial expressions (in Kathakali), the graceful movements and hand gestures (mudras), the live traditional music accompaniment, the storytelling aspect of the performance, and the backstage experience of watching performers prepare.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a Kathakali performance? — A full Kathakali performance lasts 2–3 hours. Most tourist-focused centres offer 1-hour condensed performances that include the highlights. Where can I watch authentic performances? — Kochi has several Kathakali centres (Kerala Kathakali Centre, Cochin Cultural Centre). Theyyam performances are best witnessed at local temple festivals. Is photography allowed? — Photography is usually allowed without flash. Video recording may require additional permission or fee. Some performances restrict photography during certain segments.