  |  |
|
|
| |
|
Kathakali is the traditional dance of the people of Kerala. It is a well-developed dance-drama where the actors depict characters from the Indian mythologies. Kathakali combines dance with dialogue to bring myth and legend to life in the temple courtyards of Kerala.
Kathakali is perfomed with elaborate masks and costumes. The dancers wear huge skirts and headdress, and the make-up is very intricate. Kathakali performances are generally in open air on a stage covered with coarse mats, with brass lamp providing the lighting. The dance is performed to the tune of Chenda, a drum like instrument that produces thundering beats, and the Maddala, which produces a softer and relaxed sound, along with the large bronze cymbal. All these three instruments are used in unison to herald the performance.  In the mangalacharan, the invocation of the Gods, two men hold a richly embroidered curtain behind which the dancers perform. This type of pure dance is called Thodayam. As the drumming beats catch the tempo, the curtain is slowly lowered to show the dancers. |
| About India | Arts | Cuisine | Fairs | Festivals | Neighbours | Society | Religions |
| Site Map | Disclaimer | About Us | Write To Us |
