Aharyabhinaya
Aharyabhinaya refers to make up. Aharyabhinaya is one of the four dramatic elements in Kathakali. Makeup is used to alter the appearance of one. In…
Thadi
The costume that represents Thamoguna (wickedness) is Thadi. Thadi means beard. There are red, black and white thadis, each depicting a distinct type…
Kari
The 'Kari' is an all black costume. The costume is used for depicting the lowest of primitive human beings both men and women. The noises they produce…
Kapidhakam
Kapidhakam is a hand gesture used by the characters in Kathakali. It involves the pressing the ring and the little finger at the tip of the thumb and…
Chenda
Chenda is a large drum that plays loud and resounding sounds. It is one of the major drums in the percussion set of Kathakali. It is also used in…
Pathaaka
Pathaaka is a hand gesture used by the characters in Kathakali. It involves holding the palm fully open with fingers joined together and the ring…
Sikharam
Sikharam is a hand gesture used by the characters in Kathakali. It involves the pressing the ring and the little finger at the tip of the thumb and…
Santam
Santam is one of the facial expressions used in Kathakali. Santam is serenity and peace. It represents the state of calm and unruffled repose that is…
Mudraakhyam
Mudraakhyam is a hand gesture used by the characters in Kathakali. It is performed by connecting the thumb and index finger into a circle, and holding…
Idakka
Idakka is one of the instruments used in Kathakali. Idakka is a small and high pitched drum with definite pitch. The idakka is viewed as one of the…
Viram
Veera is one of the facial expressions used in Kathakali. It is heroism. It represents bravery and self-confidence. People express veera through their…
Minukku
Minukku is a type of make up style. There are various types of characters present in Kathakali. The make-up used for gentle characters is 'Minukku'.…
Karunam
Karunam is one of the facial expressions used in Kathakali. It represents grief and compassion. The feelings of unspeakable tragedy and despair, utter…
Maddalam
Maddalam is one of the major and most valuable instrument in the percussion set of the Kathakali. There is are unique fingering and drumming…
Tereshiela
Tereshiela is held in front of the stage to introduce characters. It is also used as backdrop and background aesthetic to please the audience as well…
Chutti
Chutti is a prop and face costume mimicking the beard. It usually refers to the painted beard. The Chuttikkaran (make-up artist) puts the Chutti which…
Kathi
Kathi is a prominent costume of Kathakali. It is devoted to heroes who are not too particular about the means they use to gain their needs. The…