Velakali
This
spectacular martial dance is performed by men in some of the temples of southern
Kerala.
The dancers, clad in the traditional clothes and colourful headgear of the medieval
Nair soldiers, engage in vigorous movements and dexterous sword play, to the
accompaniment of an orchestra comprising the maddalam, ilathalam, kombu and
kuzhal.
Velakali originated in Ambalappuzha where Mathoor Panicker, chief of the Chempakasserri
army, promoted it to boost the martial spirit of the people.
The dance form is a regular feature of the annual festivities at the Ambalappuzha
Sree Krishna temple in Alappuzha district.
Kerala Art & Culture
Theyyam ||
Patayani || Poothanumthirayum
|| Paana || Tholppavakkoothu
|| Velakali || Kalamezhuthu
|| Margomkali || Mudiyettu
|| Koothu || Kannyarkali
|| Arjuna Nritham || Kavadiyattom
|| Theeyattu || Kummattikkali
