prashanth_punja

Padayani is a traditional ritual folk art form from Kerala, especially associated with the Central Travancore region. Believed to have pre-Dravidian roots, it combines dance, music, theatre, masks, and rhythmic chanting into a powerful visual performance.

Performers wear large handcrafted masks called kolams, often depicting deities, spirits, and mythical characters using natural materials like areca leaves and plant colors.

The art form is known for its intense drumming, energetic movements, fire-lit atmosphere, and storytelling traditions that blend devotion, folklore, and theatrical expression.

Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) 2026 🎨