Kathakali evolved from earlier temple art forms in the 17th century, is based on Hinduism and is a highly charged powerful drama that combines devotion, drama, dance, music, costumes and make up to produce one of the most impressive forms of sacred theatre in the world.It is not simply a dance-drama but an act of devotion featuring the universal struggle between good and evil. Kathakali provides a window into the past and an opportunity to understand the ancient heritage that has been preserved for centuries in the Kathakali plays.The elegant plays are based on the ancient stories of the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Bhagavata Purana each depicting the Gods –heroes like Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. The movements in Kathakali are such that all the emotions like lust, greed, envy, and violence are shown beautifully giving great depth to the performance of the characters.

Chakyarkoothu is one of the oldest classical arts of Kerala. A fine blend of social satire, mime, and comedy, the Chakyarkoothu is usually presented in the traditional temple theatre Koothambalam or Koothupura. This solo performance by the Chakkiar (a community name for Koothu performers) who dons the role of the Vidushaka (jester) is accompanied by the Mizhavu – (a percussion instrument) and Ilathalam (cymbals). The performance begins with an invocation to the presiding deity of the temple. The narration is enlivened with Thandava (the cosmic dance of Lord Siva) dance movements, gestures, and facial expressions according to the 2nd century B.C treatise on theatre, Natyasastra written by Sage Bharatha. Through his inimitable narration of stories from the epics, the Chakkiar satirizes the manners and customs of the time. No one is above the butt of his ridicule which varies from innocent mockery to veiled innuendoes, barbed puns, and pungent invectives.

Mohiniyattam is a semi-classical dance form of Kerala. It is perfomed by women. The word Mohini means a maiden who steals the heart of the onlooker. It is thought that Vaishnava devotees gave the name of Mohiniattam to this dance form. Legend says that Lord Vishnu took on the guise of a Mohini, the arch enchantress, to enthrall people. The movements are graceful and the costumes are sober and attractive. Mohiniyattam involves delicate footsteps and subtle expressions. The movements are graceful and the costumes are sober and attractive. Mohiniattam follows the Hastha Lakshanadeepika, a textbook for Mudras. The vocal music for Mohiniattam is classical Carnatic.The basic dance steps of Mohiniattam are the Adavus – Taganam, Jaganam, Dhaganam and Sammisram. Mohiniattam maintains a realistic makeup and simple dressing.

Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest, traditional martial art forms in Kerala. It is considered the most scientific type of martial art form in the world and can only be performed by well-trained artists who posses the unique skills required to withstand the training. Kalari education begins with an oil massage of the body to make the trainee supple and agile. They are then taught basic moves such as chaattom (jumping), ottam (running), marichil (somersault), adi (strike), idi (punch), thada (defence) and payattu (assault).Once these skills are mastered, students are given lessons in using weapons like daggers, swords, bow and arrow, spears, maces, etc. Kalaripayattu training aims to help the performer gain ultimate co-ordination of the mind and body. So, some of the traditional centres include trainings in indigenous medical practices too.

Padayani is a ritual theatre art form related to the Goddess temples in the Central Travancore regions of Kerala. Performed at night in the temple premises, the rituals of Padayani are a symbolic act for pleasing the Goddess Bhadrakali whose fury remains unabated even after her victory over the mythical demon, Darikan. The duration of the festivals varies from seven to 28 days according to the number of villages participating and organising it.It is also a thanksgiving for a good harvest which the villagers believed was not possible without the blessings of Gods and Goddesses. In its spirit and content, Padayani takes the form and style of an epic theater. It also characterises an act of purification carried out by the villagers in all devotion to ward off evil forces.