Live Cultural Shows

Ottan Thullal

Ottan Thullal  is another recite-and-dance art-form of Kerala introduced by Kunjan Nambiar in the eighteenth century. This distinctive and entertaining art form involves humour intended to criticise the social construct. The show is accompanied by a mridangam and/ or with a idakka besides a pair of ilathalam cymbals.

In essence the word “thullal” means to jump in the Malayalam language and it quite well represents the taste of the art form.

The performer will dance and recite the lyrics in a traditional yet dazzling colourful costume, Decorated with white and red bands and wearing ornaments. A must see for every cultural fest lover.

Kathakali

Kathakali is a major art form of classical Indian dance. It stands as one of the oldest theatre forms in the world belonging to 17th century Kerala.

The kathakali art form is performed by dancers who take a multitude of roles from the Hindu mythology especially Ramayana and Mahabharata. The art form is very well known for its unique and eye catching make up code which makes kathakali a pleasure not only for the mind but for the eyes as well.

Traditionally kathakali represents folk stories, religious legends and spiritual ideas from the Hindu epics known as Puranas. This sensational vocal performance is usually presented in Sanskritised Malayalam.

Kalaripayattu

Kalripayattu is a proud asset to ancient Kerala which is now popularly practiced throughout the world. Kalaripayattu the oldest known martial art, commonly publicised as the mother of all martial arts is purely a gift to the modern world. Unlike modern martial arts it is intertwined with Hinduism containing many rituals and customs. It famously also includes practices of Ayurveda, the Indian science of medicine making it utterly unique.

Artists possess the powerful knowledge of pressure points of the human body and many healing techniques inspired from Ayurvedic and yoga practices. Kalaripayattu includes strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry, and healing methods.The combatant would carry shallow and primary armour only as flexibility is fundamental for this art form. Trainees are educated to conquer the co- ordination of mind and body and to also use the weapons as extensions of their body. The inherent beauty of this art  form lies in the harmonious synergy of art,science and meditation.

Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam

Classical Indian dance is known to have originated in 200 BC which is performed in celebratory and joyful events traditionally in devotion to Hindu deities. This extremely well choreographed dance performance often tells the story of divinities from the Hindu mythology.

This art form is popularly known for it’s expressive and vibrant performances. Indian classical dance (Shastriya Nritya) is an umbrella term for different regionally-specific Indian classical dance forms, the theory and practice of which can be traced to the Sanskrit text Natya Shastra Bharatanatyam is a pre-eminent Indian classical dance form of India which is known to be the mother of many other Indian dance forms.

Conventionally it is a solo dance performed only by women which was initiated in Hindu temples in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu which then because of its beauty flourished to the whole of South India. Mohiniattam is however an Indian classical dance form that evolved in the Indian state of Kerala, counted as one of the two popular dance forms of the state.

The dancers normally are dressed in white attire embellished with good thread embroidered into the borders which is then complimented by a choli (Indian traditional blouse). The vocal composition of the music accompanied by this most mesmerising art form is mainly in Manipravala which is a mix of Malayalam and sanskirt but the music style found to be Carnatic.