Classical Dance Forms of Kerala - Koodiyattom

About Koodiyattom, the classical dance form of Kerala

Koodiyattom means “dancing together”. Instead of single Chakiyar, this dance is performed by a number of performers, including both men and women.

Abhinaya is the most important element in Koodiyattom. Here all the four types of Abhinaya, namely the Angikam, the Vachikam, the Sathvikam and the Aharyam can be seen.

The narration is in Sanskrit and the performance is a prolonged affair.

Koodiyattom is staged on the specially built temple theatre called Koothambalam.

The stage is decorated with fruit-bearing plantains and bunches of tender coconuts and festooned with fronds of the coconut palm.

A vessel overflowing with paddy is placed on the stage. Lighting is done with a tall oil lamp made of brass.

There is a large copper drum called the mizhavu with a high seat for the Nambiyar drummer.

A Nangiyar woman plays cymbal and occasionally recites the verses.

The musical element is very much suppressed in Koodiyattom. The instruments include the edakka, the maddalam, the conch, the pipe and the horn.