Kerala Art Forms

MARKKAM KALI It is a counterpart of Thiruvathira Kali played by women belonging to the Christian community. Here also the dancers attired in traditional white mundu frilled at the back to cover the buttocks, chatta (Jacket), rich jewellery including Mekkamothiram (an ornamental ring worn by the Christian ladies on the upper lobe of the ear, now considered old fashioned). The dancers sing in praise of Jesus Christ to the varying rhythms of drum beating. It is comparatively brisk in action.

OPPANA Oppana is makeup. This is dance by Muslims girls while doing bridal makeup. It is an all girls' performance in the bridal chamber. Friends and other girls of the bride's age sing to the rhythm of clapping hands in fast tempo and dance teasing the bride on the eve of marriage preparing her for the ceremony doing her face make up, manicuring and applying henna on the palms and feet.

KALARIPPAYATTU
It is a form of martial arts practised by Hindus. The available historical evidences date it back to the 12th Century and historians believe that it is the oldest form of martial art in the world. Probably, it is the source of the world famous Karate of Japan. 'Kalari' is a school of martial arts derivative of the Sanskrit word 'Kholoorika' meaning military training centre and 'payattu' the fight. There were Kalaris strewn around the state which are recognized by the Government as the official training centres for new recruits in the armed force.

The instruction and practical training in this art is imparted inside the Kalari, a specially constructed hall with ample space of fighting floor with idols of all the presiding deities of the art and photographs of the entire lineage of Gurus. The idols and Gurus are worshipped before the beginning of the practice with all rituals and singing of hymns as in a temple. The master reverently addressed as 'Gurukkal' is deemed the representative of the God of war and the present link with the long line of Gurus gone deified into the back of beyond.

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