3. Kathakali

                              

 Kathakali is the classical dance form of Kerala. The word Kathakali literally means "Story-Play". Kathakali is known for its heavy, elaborate makeup and costumes. In fact, the colorful and fascinating costumes of  Kathakali have become the most recognized icon of Kerala. In Kerala and some other south Indian states  Kathakali performance is a major social event, which starts at dusk and continues all through the night. The  Kathakali tradition dates back to the 17th century. It was Mahakavi Vallathol Narayan Menon, who gave Kathakali its present form. He was the founder of the Kerala Kala Mandalam. Kathakali is considered as one of the most magnificent theatres of imagination and creativity. Kathakali dance presents themes derived from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and other Hindu epics, mythologies and legends. Initially Kathakali was thought to be the sole domain of men but now women also perform the dance. Like all other dance forms Kathakali has also undergone changes over the time. In Kathakali emphasis is given more on aharya abhinaya, the use of costumes, ornaments and facial make-up. It is interesting to note that Kathakali is the only Indian dance form in which the entire body, both skeleton and muscles, down to even the smallest facial muscle are used to portray emotion. When Kathakali dance is being performed the text of the drama or the story is sung for the dancer and is the baseline for his/her interpretation.

1. Mudras

There are 24 Basic Mudras (hand gestures) in the "Hasthalakshana Deepika", the book of hand gestures, which Kathakali is followed. There are 'Asamyutha Mudras' (that is shown using single hand) and 'Samyutha Mudras' (mudras shown in double hands) in each Basic Mudras, to show different symbols. Considering all these Mudras and their seperations there are totally 470 symbols used in Kathakali.

1. Pathaaka	2. Mudraakhyam	3. Katakam	4. Mushti

5. Kartharee Mukham	6. Sukathundam	7. Kapidhakam	8. Hamsa Paksham

9. Sikharam #	10. Hamsaasyam	11. Anjaly	12. Ardhachandram

13. Mukuram	14. Bhramaram	15. Soochimukham	16. Pallavam

17. Thripathaaka	18. Mrigaseersham	19. Sarpasirassu	20. Vardhamanakam

21. Araalam	22. Oornanabham	23. Mukulam	24. Katakaamukham

2.Make-up

In kathakali mythical characters like the Devas (the residents of heaven, representing goodness), Asuras (the residents of Patala, above hell, representing evil), apart from some bird and animal characters can be represented only in larger than life, superhuman dimensions. In Kathakali, the make-up creates the superhuman effect.

It takes nearly three to four hours to complete the make-up which is done in stages, and the duration varies according to the character and complexity of the costume.

Theppu is the first stage where the artiste himself applies the basic facial paintings. After this theChuttikkaran (make-up man) puts the Chutti which forms the second stage of make-up.

The Chutti plays a crucial role in differentiating the characters and their personality . The characters appearing on stage are classified in 5 main categories :- Pacha (green), Kathi (knife),Thadi (beard), Kari (black) and Minukku.

All the colours used in the make-up are obtained from natural substances and herbs. For example, the red and yellow colours are made by powdering stones like Chaayilyam andManayola respectively. A mixture of lime and rice flour serves for white. The green colour is produced by mixing Manayola and Neelam (blue). Coconut oil is used as the base for mixing these stone powders. Another stone, Chenchilyam is powdered and applied in order to protect the skin from burns. Kanmashi or Kajal (the black substance) is prepared by burning gingelly oil. Kumkumam or saffron is also used for the make-up. However, now-a-days many of these colour mixing processes have been replaced by easily available material like paper pulp etc.

Uduthukettu is the thrid stage in dressing. Stiff tapes of white cloth is wound around the waist, with the help of others and are bound together with another piece of cloth, the Kacha. Ulluvaal, Puramvaal, Pattuvaal etc are the different cloth pieces used for the elaborate bulky skirt of a Kathakali artist. The anklets, colourful and ornate vests, jewellery and the huge headgear complete the Kathakali costume.