Kathakali

Kathakali is one of the Indian classical dance. The word Kathakali means "Story-Play".  Kathakali is an ancient and traditional dance form of Kerala which is distinguished by its elaborately colorful make-up, costumes and face masks wearing actor-dancers. Kathakali has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. Kathakali is based on religious themes. They play is mostly based on the two epics 'Ramayana' and 'Mahabharata'. Popular belief is that Kathakali is emerged from "Krishananattam", the dance drama on the life and activities of Lord Krishna. Kathakali is a combination of five forms of fine art like Natyam (Acting or Expressions), Nritham (Ritual Dance), Nrithyam (Enactment), Sangeetham (Music), Vadyam (Instrument accompaniment).

There are about 101 Kathakali stories. Important stories enacted in Kathakali are 'Nala Charitham' (Story from Mahabharatham about King Nala and his wife Damayanthi), 'Duryodhana Vadham' (Another story from Mahabharata about the killing of Duryodhana by the Pandava brother Bhima in Kurukshetra), 'Kalyanasowgandhikam' (Bheema's encounter with Hanuman when the former set out in search for the flower Kalyanasaugandhikam for his wife Draupadi), 'Keechaka Vadham'(Story of the killing of Keechaka by Bhima when the Panadavas were in disguise), 'Kiratham' (Story of Arjuna and Lord Shiva's fight),  and 'Karna Shapadham' (story of Karna from Mahabharata).