VELAKALI
It
is one of the most elaborate and spectacular martial folk arts of Kerala. This
ritual art form is usually presented within the temple premises and is called
Thirumumbil vela when performed before the deity and Kulathivela when performed
near the temple pond.
Fifty or more performers in the traditional attire of soldiers, bearing colourful
shields and swords or long canes, dance with war like steps in perfect orchestration
with the resounding rhythm of the thakil, suddha maddlam, elathalam, kuzhal
and trumpets. A few fighting techniques of Kalaripayattu are also displayed
in the course of the performance.
