Folklore in Motion: Timeless Dance & Artistry

Nestled in the tranquil hills of Munnar and Thekkady , a number of cultural centres offer an enchanting window into Kerala’s folklore in motion that’s as much an art as it is an experience.

Kathakali: Silent Storytelling

Witnessing a Kathakali dance in particular, felt like stepping into a world where folklore and tradition vividly came alive. Although Kathakali traces its roots back to temple rituals, over time, it seamlessly merged sacred elements with secular storytelling, evolving into a cultural icon of Kerala. One of its most striking features is that the performers rely on a combination of mudras (hand gestures), facial expressions, and rhythmic movements to narrate tales without uttering a single word.

Here, I learned that male performers rendering female vesham in Kathakali is a centuries-old theatrical tradition. This practice showcases rigorous training, character embodiment and performer's ability to transcend gender. It's a reminder that in the world of Kathakali, the story, the rasa, reigns supreme.

The intricate makeup, bold costumes, and expressive gestures of the Kathakali artists told stories of gods, demons, and epic battles. Every flick of the eye conveyed raw emotion — love, anger, valor, and betrayal — immersing the audience completely in the narrative. It was more than a performance; it was an artful dialogue that needed no words.

Kalaripayattu: Dance of Warriors

Following the Kathakali performance, I watched a demonstration of Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art of Kerala. This display of courage and discipline was captivating.

The warriors' fluid movements, incorporating techniques such as Chuvadus (stances), Vadivu (animal-inspired postures), and Ayudha Prayoga (weapon handling), alongside intricate weapon clashes and agile stances, particularly when incorporating fire, formed a mesmerising dance of power and precision.

Salu Paliya & Kandyan dance

Not far from Kerala, I experienced Salu Paliya and Udarata Natum (aka Kandyan dance) in Kandy - Sri Lankan folk dances that were equally captivating.

Developed during the Kandyan Kingdom (15th-19th centuries), the Kandyan dance flourished under royal patronage. It was closely associated with the annual Dalada Perahera (procession). Today, it is considered the national dance of Sri Lanka.

Salu Paliya, on the other hand, has stronger roots in folk traditions and local communities. They are typically performed in village settings during festivals, rituals, and social gatherings that involve a broader spectrum of the population. Accompanied by the dynamic rhythms of traditional percussion instruments, these danced developed an immersive atmosphere.

Despite their different cultural and class origins, Kathakali, Kalaripayattu, Salu Paliya and Kandyan dance share a deep commitment to storytelling and preserving cultural heritage while offering moral insights and connecting communities through their artistic brilliance.