One of the centuries old, but well-known folk dance of Kerala. Kanniya Kali (also known as Desathukali) is a fast moving, militant dance from attuned to rhythmic devotional folk songs and asuravadyas. It is said to be a ritual offering in honour of the deity Bhagavathy. The dances last for four days and are preceded by three days of Karivela and Vattakali. The programme for each day is known by different name; the first day's kanniyarkali being called Erawakkali and the next three day's items being known as Aandikootu, Vallon and Malama respectively. There are more than forty "steps" or puratts for the four-day programme and these are unique and impressive. Though performed by Nairs, Kanniyarkali depicts the life of the Malayans, one-time slaves and dependents of the feudal chieftains and jenmies of the Malabar area in Kerala. The accompanying folk songs also throw some light on the ancient feudal relationship. Musical instruments like chenda, maddalam, elathalam and chengala are used to time the rhythm. The costumes are very colourful.

This is a mixed dance of the Cherumar community ( mainly agricultural labourers) of the Malabar area of Kerala in which both men and women participate. They hold dancing arms together, or shoulder to shoulder, linked in a back-lock. The dance develops into a variety of pleasing pattern, in which the men and women change their positions with amazing rapidly. The entire group of dancers sing songs and move dexterously in swift rhythm of the feet in fascinating wave-like movement. The costumes of the dancers are peculiar with conical caps called palathopi, dhoti and red sash. Sandal paste is smeared all over the body and face and garlands of red chethi flowers are worn. The dancers have anklets tied to the legs and dance to the timing and rhythm set by percussion instruments like veekkan chenda, karu, maram, etc. The dance is performed by usually after harvest and in connection with marriage and festivals.

This art form is performed to drive out evil spirits from hons. It is believed that Pakkanar and his wife visit the hayses. They dance in tiyn with the beat of different drums. Usually this art form is performed during Onam festival.

KUTHIYOTTAM
This is in vogue in Thiruvananthapuram District, performed mostly in Devi temples. A performer, wearing a crown, similar to the used by the 'Ottanthulal' artiste, and three other characters, with three different facial make-ups, dance rhythmically to the background of percussion instruments. The songs are in praise of Durga, 'Padapattu', and 'Kalaripattu' and songs in praise of deities. It is usual to have partitioners of red silk at the performing arena.

PARUNTHATTAM
Victory of the good over the evil is the concept behind the theme. The theme of the dance revolves around great heroes of ancient times. The art form is popular in the Central Travancore.

THIRAYATTOM
Thirayattom is performed as part of festive celebrations in Kavus in Central Malabar. The word thira means lustre and the Thirayattom dance is said to cast radiance by vertue of his gorgeous array, made all the more dazzling by the blaze of torches, made of clusters of dried coconut fronds. The performers, through appropriate costumes, assume the roles of the divinities they hold in veneration. Thirayattom is the hereditary profession of Vannan community.

OPPANA
Oppana is an exquistic folk dance art form performed traditionally among the muslim community in Kerala. The song and dance programme is performed by females to entertain the bride and by males to entertain the bridegroom. Harmonium, tabla and ganjra are the musical instruments used. The songs are based on mappila pattu .

MARGAM KALI
Margam kali is an art form popular among the Syrian Christian community of the erstwhile Travancore. This consists of group dances and martial arts like parichamuttu kali. The theme of the songs revolves round the life of St.Thomas.

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