Margomkali Dance in Kerala | HolidayLandmark

About Margomkali Dance

Margomkali Dance performed in Kerala is a ritual folk art of the Syrian Christians of Kottayam and Thrissur region in Kerala. In the Margomkali Dance there are about a dozen dancers who dance around the Nilavilakku which is lighted wick lamp which is a traditional symbol of Kerala.Adorned in their pristine white dhotis and a peacock feather on their turbans the Margomkali Dance is all about worshipping the Christ.The word `Margam` means path or way, religion or creed. The real source of inspiration for the performance of Margam Kali was Kalaripayattu, which was very popular when the Christian community had developed the form. This dance consists of several other group dances and martial arts like Parichamuttu Kali.They perform the dance wearing the traditional white dhoti and a peacock feather on the turban. Though performed by men in olden days, now a days it is performed by female dancers in a simple white dhoti, chatta (a white blouse with long sleeves) and neryathu - the three piece traditional Syrian Christian attire.It is believed the Nilavilakku or the lamp is Christ and the dancers which surround it are his disciples. They worship Jesus Christ in this way. The dance form shows a beautiful blend of Christianity with traditional art forms of Kerala.The origin of the dance form can be traced to the time of Portuguese invasion and much before that. Margomkali Dance also depicts the life and works of St. Thomas who arrived during 52 A.D. it was during this time that many of the Keralites took up Christianity and it blended with the local culture and rituals.

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. This is the song dance part of the art form. The song is sun by the leader of the troupe called the “Asan”. Traditionally the Margamkali was the recreation or activity which helped the Christian soldiers pass time. Recently however, it is almost a compulsory performance in Syriac Christian weddings and such occasions. Traditionally it was an art performed by men only. Nowadays it is also performed by women and on stage and school competitions etc.

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 Margomkali Dance

Margomkali 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 Margomkali 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.

History of Margomkali Dance

Margomkali Dance is a treasured traditional art form of Kerala with roots extending back centuries. Kerala is renowned for its rich performing arts traditions — Kathakali (the elaborate dance-drama), Mohiniyattam (the graceful solo dance), Theyyam (the ritualistic performance art), and numerous folk dance forms. These art forms emerged from the state’s temple traditions, folk culture, and the patronage of local rulers. Many dance forms are recognised by UNESCO for their cultural significance.

Things to do at Margomkali 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.