FOLK DANCE        

THIDAMBU NRITHAM
This is prevalent in Kannur District and in some parts of Kozhikode District, in North Kerala. Namboodiris conducted the dance. Marar play on percussion instruments. Person belonging to the Nambissan, Varier, Unithiri communities, serve as assistance. One namboodiri to bear the Thidambu, seven players on percssion instruments, two persons to carry lamps, in all ten persons are needed to present this. The dance is performed with the decorated effigy of the Devi carried on the head. Foot work is most important and this is executed to the rhythms of the drums. The step are at turned to various rhythms like Thakiladi Adantha, Chembada, Panchari.

THEYYANNAM
This is a ritualistic art, performed by the Pulaya and Kurava communities. Theyyannam is found in Mavelikara, Pandalam and some places in Alappuzha District. When man turned to cultivation, his liking and respect for this began to increase. Though he cultivates different crops, he has a partiality for paddy cultivation. This is the theme of Theyyannam. Eight men plough up a field and plant seedlings. At this stage the women folk enter, with breakfast for their menfolk. In the ploughed up field, the women start replanting the seedlings. With women on one side and men on the other side, the preliminary work of agriculture is completed. After this comes the harvest and then the threshing. Thus all stages of paddy cultivation are represented. Harmonium, Daka and Tabala are needed as musical accompaniments.
THEKKANUM THEKKATHIYUM
Popular in Palakkadu and Malappuram Districts. This is handled by the panars. Their daily profession is the making of palm leaf umbrellas. Two charectors (one male and one female) and two percussion in instrumentalists from a troupe. The characters sing, exchange dialogues and perform stylised movements, through well defined steps. The instrumentalists repeat the songs and put questions to the characters. Some portions from the Ramayana from the theme of the play, sometimes, portions from the Mahabharatha are also used. When needed by the actors the accompanists keeps time with tiny cymbals (Kuzhithalam).

THOLPAVAKKOOTHU
This is known also as Pavakoothu and Nizhalkoothu. Prevalent in Palakkadu and Ponnani Taluks. This is handled, traditionally, by Pulavanmars. The Pavakal, or pupples are made of deer skin, to represent characters in the Ramayanam epic. The puppets are arranged behind along curtain. Behind the puppets brightly burning oilwick lamps are kept. The singer recites songs from the kamba Ramayana. To the trend of the song, the puppets are made to move and dance. When the song ends, an entertaining description of the puppet characters takes place. A Chenda in the shape of Para (measure) Idora is used to give percussion effects.

NAGACHUTTU
Popular in Thiruvananthapuram and Chirayinkizhu taluks and in Kilimanoor, Pazhayakunnummal and Thattathumala regions. This is in vogue among vedars, Parayars and Kuravar tribes. Eight persons for the dance and two to play percussion instrumentsin all ten persons are needed for staging this. From among the eight performers, two each, twin around each other like serpents and rising up, battle it out with sticks. The techniques are repeated several times. Sandalwood paste on the forehead, a red towel round the head, red silk around the waist and bells round the ankles. These from the costume. This is a combination of snake workship and Kalaripayattu.

PALLUKALI
In vogue in Chittoor Taluk in Palakkad District. This is a dramatic visual art. This ritualistic art is handled by those belonging to the Pariah community. An artist in the costume of Ganapathy appears first on the stage. He is followed by such characters as Panakaran (Richman) his servant, his two wives, a Kolkaran (he is also the comedian). After the other characters make their entry the Ganapathy with draws. Then the theme is expounded. The leader sings a song in Kavu style. According to the meaning of the song, those on the stage start acting and singing the dialogues. Of the two wives of the rich man, one turns informer against him. This and the misfortunes that follow upon this, form the core of the theme. On account of the prayers of the other wife it all ends happily. The male characters have costumes similar to those of Kathakali. The female characters don dhoties and upper cloth. Facial makeup is used. The female characters tie up their hair. Nandanar, who was refused admission into the temple, but finally got himself admitted through high devotion and won many devotees to him, is presented through this art form, with the help of music and dancing.

MALAYAN KETTU
This art form is in vogue all over Kannur District. This is fully ritualistic in scope. This is usually performed for the sake of those women who have miscarriages and who are advised by the astrologers to have this ritual. Under a decorated 'Pandal', Kalams are drawn with the help of rice flour, charcoal powder and turmeric powder. The pregnant woman sits in front of this Kalam. Actors in the garbs of deities like Raktheswari, Gulikan, Yakshi, come and dance in front of the kalam.