Satvikabhinaya
Satvikabhinaya refers to the facial expression used in Kathakali. Satvikabhinaya is one of the four dramatic elements used in Kathakali. A facial…
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…
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…
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…
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'.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Karunam
Karunam is one of the facial expressions used in Kathakali. It represents grief and compassion. The feelings of unspeakable tragedy and despair, utter…
Thadi
The costume that represents Thamoguna (wickedness) is Thadi. Thadi means beard. There are red, black and white thadis, each depicting a distinct type…