Kerala, often celebrated as God’s Own Country, is not only known for its backwaters and lush greenery but also for its vibrant cultural heritage. Among the many expressions of this heritage, the traditional artforms of North Kerala stand out for their dramatic storytelling, symbolic rituals, and spiritual significance. These artforms are more than entertainment; they are windows into the soul of Kerala, showcasing a blend of history, devotion, and community.
Kathakali – Dance-Drama of Grandeur
Kathakali is one of Kerala’s most iconic artforms and a symbol of the state’s classical traditions. This dance-drama, which originated in the 17th century, combines dance, acting, music, and elaborate costume design into a single performance. The most striking feature of Kathakali is its highly stylized makeup and headgear. Artists spend hours preparing their faces with layers of paint that symbolize different characters—green for noble heroes, red for evil, and black for hunters or forest dwellers.
Stories performed in Kathakali are usually based on Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The narrative unfolds through expressive hand gestures called mudras and exaggerated facial expressions. Unlike modern theatre, dialogue is not spoken by the performers but sung by accompanying vocalists, while drums like the chenda and maddalam set the rhythm.
Traditionally, Kathakali performances were staged overnight in temple courtyards as acts of devotion and storytelling. Today, visitors can witness shorter versions at cultural centres, festivals, and even hotels, making the art accessible to a wider audience while still preserving its grandeur.
Theyyam – Ritual, Worship, and Performance
If Kathakali represents Kerala’s classical sophistication, Theyyam embodies the raw spiritual essence of North Malabar. Performed mainly in Kannur and Kasaragod, Theyyam is a ritualistic artform where the performer is believed to become a divine presence. The word “Theyyam” itself is derived from “Daivam,” meaning god, and that belief is central to the performance.
Theyyam is not just a show but a ritual. It takes place in sacred groves and temple courtyards, usually between October and May. The performer, often from traditional Theyyam families, undergoes elaborate preparation that includes painting the face in striking red and black patterns, wearing massive headdresses, and adorning ritualistic ornaments. When the performance begins, the individual is no longer seen as a human but as a deity incarnate, blessing the community, resolving conflicts, and answering prayers.
For locals, Theyyam is an essential cultural practice that links them to their ancestors and deities. For visitors, it is a mesmerizing blend of theatre, music, and spirituality, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the living traditions of Kerala.
Comparative Glimpse – Kathakali vs Theyyam
| Aspect | Kathakali | Theyyam |
| Nature | Classical dance-drama | Ritualistic folk performance |
| Origin | 17th century, temple theatres | Ancient tribal and Dravidian traditions |
| Themes | Epics like Ramayana & Mahabharata | Local deities, myths, ancestral worship |
| Costume | Painted faces, masks, colorful attire | Towering headdress, face paint, ritual gear |
| Purpose | Entertainment and moral storytelling | Worship, blessings, spiritual experience |
Kathakali and Theyyam may appear similar in their use of costume and performance, but their purposes are very different. One is rooted in narrative art and classical training, while the other is inseparable from faith and ritual.
Other Folk Artforms of North Kerala
North Kerala is home to a variety of lesser-known traditions that are equally significant in shaping the region’s identity. While Kathakali and Theyyam often capture the spotlight, several other performances bring out the cultural diversity of Malabar.
Thira is one such ritualistic artform closely related to Theyyam. Performed during temple festivals, Thira is considered a symbolic offering to the goddess Bhadrakali. Though less elaborate than Theyyam, it carries strong religious significance, and the rhythmic movements and costumes still create a powerful spiritual atmosphere. Villagers often believe the performance brings blessings to the land and ensures prosperity.
Duffmuttu represents the Muslim cultural heritage of Malabar. This artform is characterized by the use of a frame drum called the duff, accompanied by devotional singing. The performers, usually standing in a semicircle, create an energetic rhythm that builds up to a vibrant group performance. Duffmuttu is often showcased during community gatherings, festivals, and weddings, making it both a cultural and social experience.
Oppana, another artform from Kerala’s Muslim community, is a graceful dance typically performed at weddings. A group of women gather around the bride, clapping rhythmically and singing traditional songs as they perform synchronized steps. Oppana is not just entertainment but also a way of blessing the bride and celebrating her new journey. The dance highlights joy, beauty, and the warmth of togetherness.
Poorakkali is a Hindu folk performance rooted in temple festivals of North Kerala. A group of men gather in a circle and perform energetic movements to the rhythm of claps and chants. The performance often involves martial elements, showcasing agility, coordination, and strength. Poorakkali symbolizes both devotion and discipline, reflecting the spiritual as well as the physical vitality of the community.
Together, these artforms highlight the pluralism of Malabar’s culture, where Hindu, Muslim, and tribal traditions coexist and thrive. Each performance, whether ritualistic or celebratory, contributes to the region’s rich artistic landscape and ensures that cultural heritage continues to remain alive in everyday life.
Experiencing Kerala’s Artforms as a Visitor
For those traveling to Calicut or the broader Malabar region, watching these artforms is an experience not to be missed. Tourists often plan trips to coincide with Theyyam season, which runs from late October to early summer. Kathakali can be experienced year-round at cultural centres or during major festivals. Resorts and heritage properties sometimes arrange private performances to introduce visitors to Kerala’s traditions.
Visitors can also explore curated heritage tours that combine temple visits, culinary trails, and art showcases. Supporting local artisans by purchasing Kathakali masks, handloom fabrics, or ritual crafts is another way to engage with the living traditions of the region.
Why These Artforms Still Matter
Traditional artforms continue to be a vital part of Kerala’s cultural identity. They preserve oral traditions and legends, passing them down through performance. They also strengthen community ties, as festivals and rituals are moments of collective participation. For the tourism sector, these artforms create opportunities for travelers to connect deeply with Kerala beyond its landscapes. For locals, they remain sources of pride, continuity, and spiritual meaning.
The traditional artforms of North Kerala—especially Kathakali and Theyyam—are powerful reminders that culture is not just about the past but about living traditions that continue to evolve. Kathakali enchants with its precision, discipline, and grandeur, while Theyyam captivates with its spiritual intensity and ritualistic devotion. Together with other folk forms, they form a cultural mosaic that makes Malabar one of the richest regions in India for heritage experiences.For visitors, experiencing these performances is more than just watching an artform—it is entering into a story, a ritual, and a community. Staying at The Raviz Kadavu, one of the finest resorts in Calicut, offers travelers a serene riverside retreat while keeping them close to the cultural heartbeat of Malabar. In every drumbeat, every gesture, and every vibrant costume lies the spirit of Kerala’s timeless heritage.