Tholppavakoothu Dance Tholppavakoothu Dance, Kerala ToursLiterally meaning 'leather puppet play', Tholppavakkoothu is a ritual art performed during the annual festivals in the Kaali temples of Palakkad district. The text of the play is based on the Kamba Ramayana, narrated in a diction that is a mixture of Malayalam and Tamil dialectical variations. The play covers the whole gamut of events from Lord Rama's birth to his coronation as the King of Ayodhya. The show is enacted on the 'Koothumadom',... read more »

Mohiniattam Dance Mohiniattam is one of the major classical dance styles of India. Mohiniattam from Kerala is perhaps one of the most graceful dances and totally identifies with the green environment; gentle singing of the palm trees and the calm ocean waters of Kerala. Kerala has always preserved all traditional arts and the people of the state consider it an integral part of everyday life. In the word Mohiniattam, Mohini means a maiden who charms the onlooker and attam means dance. Usually... read more »

Koothu Koothu Dance, Kerala VacationsNangiar Koothu is an art performed by the Nangiars or the female members of the Chakkiar community. This is a solo dance drama mainly centred on the legends of Krishna. Verses are sung and interpreted through mime and dance. The 'Mudras', though the same as in Kootiyattam, are even more elaborate. It is still performed in temples like Vadakkunnatha Temple at Thrissur, Sri Krishna Temple at Ambalappuzha, Koodal Manickyam Temple at Irinjalakkuda and... read more »

Chavittunatakom Chavittunatakom Dance, Kerala TravelA sensual blend of wide-ranging cultures is tangible in Chavittunatakam. Literally means 'Stamping Drama', its history begins with advent of the Portuguese to the Malabar coast of Kerala. Chavittunadakam has a story to tell. When the Portuguese came to Kerala, they felt a vacuum in the cultural arena. What they needed was a medium to spread the myths and the legends they held dear. They felt Kathakali impressive, but their ego did not permit... read more »

Kerala Kathakali Centre, Fort Cochin Dance Drama has been an integral part of Indian Culture and Kathakali is one such dance form. As a folk dance form, Kathakali has its roots in rural Kerala and the Kerala Kathakali Centre has been set up to popularize this dance form. Deeply rooted in the Indian Mythology, Kathakali combines literature, acting, music, painting and dance. Kalamandalam in Kerala is one such organization that has devoted itself to the enrichment of the Indian Culture. Eminent... read more »

Kerala Kalamandalam, Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur The cradle of Kathakali training in India, Kerala Kalamandalam is located on the banks of Kerala's longest river, the Bharathapuzha in Cheruthuruthy. The state's flagship training school for Kathakali dance drama and other indigenous performing arts of Kerala, Kalamandalam was founded in 1927 AD by the revered poet Vallathol Significance Present Kalamandalam is undoubtedly the best institution in India imparting training and conducting performance... read more »