Kathakali – Kerala’s The Most Renowned and Revered Dance Form

Kerala, the beautiful state at the southern part of India is rich about its cultural and social factors. People are living in mutual harmony here from centuries ago. The artistic field in Kerala is rich with flavors from different part of the world. The tourists coming to this God’s own country are not only for enjoying vacation but also to see the tremendous expressions in Kerala’s arts. Kathakali is one of the world famous dance-drama mixes that molded in the master mind of Kerala some 400 years ago. The face of the Kathakali performer is famous icon for Kerala and it is also displaying the colorful festivals of this land

During the carnival of Onam, the places Shoranur, Kovalam and Cheruthuruthy are hosting the Kathakali shows for natives and tourists from outside. The Malayalam word ‘Katha-kali’ can translate to English as story and dance. As the name implies Kathakali is a beautiful combination of dance and drama. It is a harmonious blend of five forms of art namely, literature, music, painting, acting and dance and it is a total theater.

It is a visual art and the performers do not say dialogues and they are mime. Remarkable use of gestures and mudras are used to convey the story. Its elaborate costume and make-up is also colorful and a distinct feature. It is a magical sight to watch Kathakali artistes performing in their traditional attire. Their larger than life form transport the audience to a make believe wonderland.  

This one of the most renowned and revered dance form of India is said to have been inspired from the ancient south Indian dances. The movements are adopted from the ancient Indian drama science Bharatha Natya Shastra with suitable modifications. The theme will be from the famous epics of Hindu Mythology. The performance of Kathakali is starting from the evening, a show continues for the entire night and culminates at dawn and it is a long time dance-drama. In the modern jet age when people are tight for time, Kathakali has transformed itself. Performances are designed to last for a maximum of two hours these days.

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