Krishnanattam

Krishnanattam is the brainchild of Manavedan Zamorin of the Kozhikode Zamorin royal family. He developed Krishnanattam based on his Sanskrit poem 'Krishna Geethi'. In Krishnanattam, the story of Lord Krishna from his birth to his ascension to heaven is told over eight days. The eight parts are Avataram, Kaliyamardanam, Rasakrida, Kamsavadham, Swayamvaram, Banayuddham, Vividavadham and Swargarohanam. This is an art form that combines dance and song. It is similar to Koodiyattam and Nangiarkoothu in terms of preparation and costumes. The methods are those of Koodiyattam and Ashtapadiyattam. Krishnanattam is the temple art form in Kerala with the most number of Poymukh (masked) characters. 

Krishnanattam was spread only within the Zamorin's kingdom. Therefore, this art was confined to North Kerala. Kovilakams and Namboothiri Illams were its venues. The group of Krishnanattam artists is known as 'Krishnanattam Kaliyogam'. Today, Krishnanattam Kaliyogam is only under the Guruvayur Devaswom. It can be said that the facial makeup of the characters in Krishnanattam, chutti, kuppayam, kadaka kundalam, udutukettu etc. inspired the costumes of Kathakali that emerged later. The order of presentation of Krishnanattam is as follows: Keli, Arangukeli, Thodayam, Purappad, Kathavatharanam, Dhanashi. This is an art form of great importance for dance.