Mudiyettu

Mudiyettu is a ritual art form popular mainly in central Kerala. The plot of Mudiyettu is that Bhadrakali challenges Darika to a fight, they fight each other and Darika is killed. First, a 'kotiyareekkal' is performed to inform the villagers that Mudiyettu has arrived. It is similar to the Kelikottu in Kathakali. Then the Bhadrakali Kalam is drawn. The story behind the Kalam drawing is that Subrahmanya drew the form of Bhadrakali on the way, who was still angry after killing Darika, and seeing it, Kali calmed down. 

After the drawing, the actual Mudiyettu begins when the wick from the lamp in the room is lit and the Attavilakku on the stage is lit. It is believed that the spirit of the goddess in the room enters the stage through this. Two people come with a curtain and stand behind the Attavilakku. Next, the Thiranotam, in which the head of Shiva and the form of a bull appear behind the curtain. The Mudiyettu consists of a total of eight scenes, starting with the Shiva-Narada Samvadam, where Narada informs Shiva of his complaints about Darika. The final scene is when the hair is removed and sacrificed to the ghosts after the Darika slaughter. There are three types of Attavilakku in Mudiyettu, namely Irunnattam, Pathinhattam and Ilakiattam, which are suitable for each scene.

The main part of the Mudiyettu is the debate and battle between Kali and Darika. It does not have to be limited to the stage set up in the temple. In the past, it would reach as far as the village limits. The characters would also run through the audience. This procession is carried out holding a torch. Occasionally, powder is sprinkled on the torch. Along with this, instruments like chenda and para are played loudly. Along with the shouts of the people and the rhythmic music from different parts, a special atmosphere is created.