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Kathakali:

Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world originated in Kerala. Kathakali has a beautiful mix of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. Traditionally there was 101 classical Kathakali stories which was initially composed to last a whole night and restricted only to the festival stages in temples.

Theyyam:

The Theyyam or Theyyattam is a popular ritual dance of North Kerala, particularly now found in the traditional Kolathunadu, of the present Kannur and Kasargode districts. As a living cult with centuries old traditions, ritual and custom, it embraces almost all castes and classes of Hindu religion in this region. Theyyam is the tainted form of the word Daivam meaning the God. It is a rare combination of dance and music and reflects important features of a tribal culture.

Chavittunatakam:

A Christian dance drama developed totally in Kerala is a form of music drama performed especially in the coastal region lying to the south of Chavakkad near Kodungalloor to the town of Kollam . Unlike other performing arts, this drama is presented on a raised platform made of planks spread on skeleton wood structure. Actors don in colourful Roman attires enacts stories from Bible with rich dialogues and songs to the accompaniment of beating of country drums. The major feature of this art is the artistes stamping the dance floor producing resonant sounds to accentuate the dramatic situations.

Margam Kali:

It is a counterpart of Thiruvathira Kali played by women belonging to the Christian community. Here also the dancers attired in traditional white mundu frilled at the back to cover the buttocks, chatta, rich jewellery including Mekkamothiram. The dancers sing in praise of Jesus Christ to the unstable rhythms of drum beating. It is comparatively brisk in action.

Mohiniyattam:

Mohiniyattam is a traditional art form orginated in Kerala. It is a very graceful dance meant to be performed as a solo recital by women. The term Mohiniyattam comes from the words "Mohini" meaning a woman who enchants onlookers and "aattam" meaning graceful and sensuous body movements.

Oppana:

Oppana is a popular form of social entertainment among the Mappila community of Kerala, especially in the northern districts of Kannur, Calicut and Malappuram. Oppana is generally presented by females, numbering about fifteen including musicians, on a wedding day. The bride dressed in all finery, covered with gold ornaments is the chief spectator who sits on a peetam, around which the singing and dancing take place. The songs of Mappilappattu, are first sung by the leader and are repeated by the chorus. The themes are often teasing comments and innuendoes about the bride's anticipated nuptial bliss. Oppana is often presented as a stage item today.

Kalarippaytu:

It is another folk art form that belongs to the northern regions of Kerala. It is considered as the most ancient and comprehensive art form. It is performed by a group of five or fifteen people in Bhadrakali and Ayyappa temples. The rituals is performed around the Kolam - an elaborated picture, typically of Bhadrakali, drawn on the floor, using five colours. The performance in the light of temple torches lasts through the night.

Koodiyattam:

Koodiyattam or Kutiyattam is a form of Sanskrit theatre traditionally performed in the state of Kerala is the oldest existing classical theatre form in the entire world, having originated much before Kathakali and most other theatrical forms. It is officially recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Till date this is considered the most authoritative work on the art form. The "grammar" of performance is entirely based on the stipulations of "Natyashasthram" by Bharatha Muni, the most authoritative book on the science of acting.

Cherumarkali:

It is a crop dance in which the dancer, both men and women move in a swift rhythm, linked in a back lock or holding arms. The costumes are in striking red and white.

Kaalavela:

It is a spectacular march of huge, gaudily adorned motifs of bulls.

Kalampatu:

It is another folk art form that belongs to the northern regions of Kerala. This art form which is over 600 years old is performed by a group of five or fifteen people in Bhadrakali and Ayyappa temples. The rituals is performed around the Kolam - an elaborated picture . typically of Bhadrakali, drawn on the floor, using five colours. The performance in the light of temple torches lasts through the night. The singers are neatly dressed with women their hair on the side of the head. Aseries of songs are sung to the accompaniment of nanthuni and elathalam.

Kaliyoottu:

It is an eight day long colourful folk which re-enacts the combat between goddess Durga and the demon Darika. The rite is perform in different stages. The climax of the play - the ritual called Paranettu - is performed on a specially constructed 100 feet high stage on the eight day.