Folk art forms of Kerala

Kerala is rich in folk arts. Kerala folk arts are a means of understanding the ancient ways of life in Kerala. Such art forms were the achievements of a people during the times when there was tribal rule and tribal unity. Folk arts developed in connection with areas such as belief, work, ritual, custom, social structure, seasonal changes, and harvest. All these art forms, which are intertwined with labor and ritual, are basically artistic performances of the lower classes. However, there were also festivals with popular participation. Some folk art forms that were also a reflection of ancient Kerala social life are mentioned here. Mudiyettu and Ninabali are ritualistic folk dramas.

Yakshaganam, Aryamalanadakam, Kannyarkali, Meenakshi Kalyanam, Tholppavakoothu, Villadichaan Paattu, Gadhika, Karuneeliyattam, Paniyarkali, Pavakathakali, Onam Thallu, Kummi, Kuthirakali, Karadikali, Pulikali, Thalamkali, Kaikottikkali, Kolkali, Kolattam, Kolamthullal, Aadivedankali, Chimmanakkali, Theyyam, Oppana, Mudiyettu, Padayani, Alammala Drama, Kettukazhcha, Panakali, Garudan Thookkam etc. are the folk arts of Kerala.

Folk Arts of Kerala

Yakshaganam -  Yakshaganam is a folk art form popular only in Kasaragod district and surrounding areas. Yakshaganam is also known as 'Bayalattam'.

Meenakshi Kalyanam -  Meenakshi Kalyanam is a folk drama form popular in Palakkad district. It is a hybrid art form that combines Kathakali and drama. This art form is prevalent among Tamil Brahmins.

Villadichaan Paattu - Villadichaan Paattu is an art form popular in southern Kerala.

Puppet theatre -  There is also a type of theatre that uses puppets in the role instead of humans; 'Puppet theatre'. Although Kathakali is a classical art form, puppet theatre is a folk art form. It requires seven people, including those who play musical instruments. The puppeteers themselves sing the songs.

Paniyarkali -  Paniyarkali is a recreational art among the tribal communities of Malabar.

Karuneeliyattam - Karuneeliyattam is a folk art form that has survived in northern Kerala. It can be said to be a dance-music drama with many customs and rituals. Karuneeliyattam was formed as part of the worship of 'Karuneeli'.

Porattu Natakam -  Porattu Natakam is an art form that presents the events of the lives of ordinary people in a question-and-answer format. Today, it is performed for entertainment in various parts of Kerala.

Kanyarkali - Kanyarkali is an art form that was performed in Bhagavathikavu and Devi temples. It is also known as Desathukali. 

Tholppavakoothu - Tholppavakoothu is an art form performed in temples during festivals. The plot of this shadow play is based on the Ramayana of the Tamil poet Kambar.

Gadhika - Gadhika is a ritual performed among the tribal people of Wayanad. Gadhika means to evacuate. 

Mudiyettu -  Mudiyettu is a ritual drama prevalent in central Kerala and northern parts of Travancore. The story takes place in different worlds from Kailash to Patala. The variety of rituals is the specialty of this drama.

Ninabali - This play was performed as part of the Uchaadana ritual that existed in the Thalassery - Nadapuram areas. The performers were from the Malaya community and the Panas. Ninabali was performed to ward off evil spirits, remove enemy damage, etc. from the ancestral homes and to bring prosperity to the ancestral homes.