the land where season never ends !

The Origin of Kathakali is considered to be more than 1500 years old. The costume, make-up, movements, expressions and the language make Kathakali a visual treat. The make-up changes according to the characters enacted. The actors do not speak, but enact the 'padam's (dialogues) sung by the singers behind. The themes of Kathakali are drawn from Indian Myth and the Characters are Gods, Humans and Demons. The stories revolve around the lives, loves and times of Gods, Demons and Humans.

Kathakali consists of three fine arts. Abhinayam (acting) Nrityam (dancing) and Geetam (singing). The actors enact their roles with the help of 'Mudras' (hand-gestures) and facial expressions.

Music is a very essential aspect of Kathakali. Two musicians sing the 'Padam's. Drums -Chenda and Maddalam - provide the percussion. The music, though carnatic, has a typical flavour of Kerala and it adheres to the Thala (rhythm) instead of Raaga.

The costumes of Kathakali are designed for the various mythical characters presented. There are five major types of costume designs, each having set modes of make up, attire and adornment. Each type denotes certain characteristics or qualities possessed by the character. These types are usually known by the predominant colour applied to the face or its pattern. They are Pacha (green) Kathi (Knife) Thaadi (beard) Kari (Black) and Minukku (Polished).

Pacha denotes virtuous and noble characters. The Kathi type includes the proud, aggressive and unrighteous characters. Thaadi or the bearded type are of three varieties – Chuvanna Thaadi (red beard) denotes the aggressive and demonaic, Vellathaadi (White beard) denotes mythical and fabulous beings like the Monkey-Gods and Karutha Thaadi (black beard),
the tribesmen, forest-men and cave dwellers. The Kari type represents low characters.
The Minukku type represents women, sages, brahmins etc., whose appearance has a polished look.

Kathakali is usually presented at dusk, sometimes continuously for many days. Each night will feature one act of the play. The performance lasts till dawn.