Kerala culture refers to patterns of human activity and the symbolic structures that give such activity significance.

Performing Arts of Kerala

Kathakali is a form of Dance-Drama. It originated in the Indian state of  Kerala during the 17th century. Kathakali shares a lot of similarities to both Ramanattom and Krishnanattom. But it also incorporated several outside elements, which is thought to have contributed to its popularity. In particular, the increasing use of Malayalam, which is the local language  made it more popular among the masses. Characters with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes re-enact stories from the Hindu epics, Mahabhratha and Ramayana.

The most popular stories enacted are Nala Charitam, Duryodhana Vadaham, Kalyanasowgandhikam etc the story’s from Mahabharatha.

Theyyam or Theyyattam is a popular ritual dance of north Kerala, particularly in Kannur and Kasargode districts. As a living cult with centuries old traditions, ritual and custom, it embraces almost all castes and classes of Hindu religion in this region. It is a rare combination of dance and music and reflects important features of a tribal culture.

The earliest Brahmin settlements where the Brahmin religion was propagated through the institutions of temples largely influenced the popular folk religion based on They yam and other tribal cults. According to the legendary Parasurama sanctioned the festival Deivattam or Theyyattam to the people of Kerala. He assigned the responsibility of Theyyam dance to the indigenous communities like Panan, Velan and Vannan. These traditions explain how the indigenous cults like Theyyam were incorporated and metamorphosed under the religious supremacy.

Mohiniaattam is a traditional dance form of Kerala, It is a very graceful dance meant to be performed as a solo recital by woman. The word "Mohiniattam" literally means "Dance of the enchantress".. The name Mohiniaattam may have been coined after Lord Vishnu, and the main theme of the dance is love and devotion to God, with usually Vishnu or Krishna being the hero. Devadasis used to perform this in temples.

Ottamthullal is a type of performing arts in Kerala. Also known as the "poor mans Kathakali", Ottamthullal was created by the Malayali poet Kunchan Nambiar, as an alternative to the Chakyar Koothu, as a protest against the prevalent socio-political structure and prejudices of the region. In Ottamthullal, a single actor wears colorful costumes, while reciting thullal all the while acting and dancing

The art form is very satirical in nature, and the ability and freedom of the artist to invent and incorporate the humor and incidental satire makes this art form more popular among the common man. unlike Kathakali, the language is pretty simple, malayalam and very rhythmic in nature.

Chakyar Koothu is a kind of mono act. It is the traditional equivalent of a stand-up comic act. However, unlike the stand-up comics, the performer has a wider leeway in that he can heckle the audience. Since there is minimal choreography involved in the art form; facial expressions are important, though. Traditionally, it was performed inside a Hindu temple and the performer begins with a prayer to the deity of the temple. He then goes on to narrate a verse in Sanskirt before explaining it in the vernacular Malayalam. The narration that follows touches upon various current events and societal factors with great wit and humor

Sopanam is a form of Indian classical music developed in the temples. Sopanasangitham is sung by the side of the steps (Sopanam) of Temple, with the accompaniment of the drum called Idakka.

The structure of the Sopanam music is believed to reflect the experience of the devotee in ascending the heights of devotion. Sopanam music developed and became popular through the practice of singing invocatory songs in front of the 'Kalam' of Kali (floor drawing of Kali) and later on at the sanctum of the temple.

Oppana is a popular form of social entertainment among the Muslim community, especially in the northern districts of Kannur, Calicut and Malappuram
Oppana is generally presented by females, numbering about fifteen including musicians, on a wedding day. The bride dressed in all finery, covered with gold ornaments is the chief spectator who sits on a peetam, around which the singing and dancing take place. While they sing, they clap their hands rhythmically and move around the bride using simple steps. Two or three girls begin the songs and the rest join in chorus

Chavittu Nadakam is a folklore art offshoot of theatre, this form of play was prevalent among the Christian community spanning from Kodungallur to Ambalappuzha. Training is provided to performers before staging the play. The master is known as Annavi. The whole play is performed through music.

The main characters are sport broached dress, headdress and crowns. The soldiers sport hats fitted with quills. The bell and drum are two instruments used as back ground score. Most of the times the stories related to Christianity or Western history or Biblical stories are played.

     
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