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Alappuzha
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Aranmula
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Guruvayur
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Kannur
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Kochi
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Kodungallur
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Kollam
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Kottayam |
Kovalam |
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Among the
most magical experiences a visitor to Kerala can have is to witness one
of the innumerable ancient rituals, ritualized theatre or dance styles that play
such an importa Many Keralan forms share broad characteristics. A prime aim of each performer is to transform the mundane to the world of gods and demons; his preparation is highly ritualized, involving other-worldly costume and mask-like make-up. In Kathakali and Kutiyattam, this preparation is a rigorously codified part of the classical tradition, whereas the much wilder appearance of Teyyattam differs from village to village. One-off performances of various ritual types take place throughout the state, building up to fever pitch during April and May before pausing for the monsoon (June-Aug).
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Finding out about such events requires a little perseverance, but it's well worth the effort; enquire at tourist offices, or buy a Malayalam daily paper such as Mathrabhumi and ask someone to check the listings for temple festivals , where most of the action invariably takes place. Tourist Kathakali is staged daily in Kochi but to find authentic performances, contact performing arts schools such as Thiruvananthapuram's Margi and Cheruthuruthy's Kerala Kalamandalam; Kutiyattam artists work at both, as well as at Natana Kairali at Irinjalakuda. |
Mattancherry
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nt and unique role in the cultural life of the region. The dance
drama Kathakali is the best known; other less publicized forms, which clearly
influenced its development, include the classical Sanskrit Kutiyattam and the
village hero-worship ritual Teyyattam . 