Padayani

Padayani is one of the most spectacular folk art associated with the festivals of central Kerala Allepey, Quilon and Kottayam district.

The word Padayani literally means military formations or rows of army. In Padayani there are a series of divine and semi divine impersonations wearing huge masks or kolams of different shapes with colourful designs painted on the stocks of arecanut palms. The kolam consist of huge head gear with many projections, and devises with a mask for the face or a chest piece to cover the breast and abdomen of the performer.

The most important kolams usually presented in a Padayani performance are Bhairavi (Kali), Kalan (god of death), Yakshi (female devil) and Pakshi (bird). Padayani takes the form of a procession of Kali and her spirits returning after the killing of asura chief Darikan. Members of Ganaka community traditionally paint the kolams, and the dance is usually performed by Nairs.

Padayani probably had its origin in ritual and religion but today it can be viewed as a folk art with a genuine secular appeal. The influence of Padayani can be clearly seen in the more famous theatrical dance of Kerala namely Kathakali.