Arabana Muttu
It is performed as part of religious rituals. Athletic performances using weapon, as a custom, form the essence of this play. It is common in Arabana Muttu that in the peak of excitement the performers injure themselves with weapons. 

Aalamikali
Aalamikali that is seen in the district of Kasaragod is a good example for the brotherhood among religions. It is being done by a group of Muslims. People belonging to the Hindu religion also take part actively in this art form. It is conducted in the month of ‘Muharam’. Other than in mosques, in countrysides ‘Alami’ is performed by the performers, clad in a unique dress, striking the sticks off and by ringing the bells, visiting nearby houses. People take part in Aalamikali for the purpose of curing diseases and for leading a peaceful life. As an art form that invokes the memories of ‘Karbala’ war, people look toward this art form with a divine spirit.

Aryammalattam
This art form, which contains the tradition of the Musical Drama of Kerala’s neighboring State, Tamil Nadu is also known as Aarryammalakkoothu, Aarryammalakkali etc. This art form has more popularity in Palakkad District of Kerala. The performers of this art form are male folks. They polish their faces and make them glitter and wear crowns on their heads. There are also other ornaments. The performance is conducted at a shed specially built for it. The performers should have an instinct to music and a control over their bodily organs. They sing Viruttham (a mode of poetic composition in Tamil) and also Padam (line of a stanza). The Vaythari (rhythmic music) from the accompanists could also be heard. It is the story of Aaryammala, the divine maid who was born in fire on earth, which is being performed in Aaryammalayattom. 

Chimmanakali
‘Chimmanakali’ is a folk drama. ‘Chimmanakali’ is usually full of humour and dialogues. The meaning given to the word ‘Chimmana’ is ‘fun’. In ‘Chimmanakali’ current as well as day-to-day affairs come to the center stage. The inequalities and antisocial elements that prevail in the society come under harsh criticism in ‘Chimmanakali’. The members of ‘Pulaya’ community usually render it .The songs sung for ‘Chimmanakali’ are also called ‘Chothiyum Pidiyum Pattum’.

Chonankali
It is an art form rendered by women for the sake of fun in olden times. Through a song, the red ant is being called out of the forest. Accompanied by the song, it is usually played inside a circle. When it is played and the songs are sung simultaneously, the play reaches the state of a ritual. The players imagine that the red ant attacks them and they all fall down. It is believed that if a red ant gets into a house, prosperity and abundance would prevail.

Chozhikettu
This is a festival performed by the male folks of Valluvanatu area. This art form is also known as Chozhikkali. Yama (the God of Death), Chithragupta, Chozhikal, Muthiyamma etc. are the characters involved in the performance. The musical instruments used for this art form are drum and cymbal. The roles of Chozhikal are enacted by children ‘Chozhikal’ are the lieutenants of Lord Siva. Dried leaves and charcoal are used for the costumes. God Yama and Chithragupta do appear wearing masks. ‘Muthiyamma’ is the symbol of an old woman. Singing songs the performers of ‘Chozhikettu’ go through the temples and houses in a village.

Enna Pattu
‘Enna’ means oil. ‘Enna Pattu’ is most popular among the Christian community of Kerala. These songs are sung when the bride and bridegroom do take oil bath after the marriage ceremony is over. 

Earthukali
It is a performing art form that is being held in connection with the festival of agriculture. The tribal group of Kasaragod district called by the name, Maviler, mainly practices it. It is an attractive art form in which the face and the other parts of oxen is made out and is decorated aptly. Accompanied by various percussions the people engage themselves in dancing, carrying the form of the oxen.

Folk Songs
Folk songs (Nadanpattu) It is the most vivid genre among the art forms of Kerala. It may be perceived as an essential pre requisite for most of the art forms of Kerala. There are hundreds of verities of ‘Nadanpattu’ such as Thottam Pattu, Nadan Pattu, Kalam Pattu, Bhagavathi Pattu, Maran Pattu, Mudiyettu Pattu, Padayani Pattu, Chattu Pattu, Vadakkan Pattu, Thekkan Pattu etc. They are sung with and also without the use of musical accompaniments.

Ivarkali
Ivarkali is played in Devi temples during festival seasons. Jingling the bells attached to a rod and singing the songs and putting the steps in circle simultaneously the players perform this art form. The preceptor begins the singing of songs (introductory song) and the other members sign in company. Stories taken from the epics and the praises of Devi (Goddess) are sung. This play is also known as Pandavarkali. The belief is that to please Goddess Bhadrakali, the Pandavas had sung and performed this play. Hence; the name Pandavakali. Another assumption is that as the five communities i.e., Asari (Carpenter) Moosari (Belleter) Karuvan (Blacksmith) Thattan (Goldsmith) and Velakkurups (Another community) performed this play jointly and thus the name Ivarkali came into being. There are regional variations for this art form such as Ivarnatakam, Thattinmel Kali etc.

Katamkatha Pattukal
Katamkatha means riddle. Riddles are entertainments for children. Riddles performed in the form of question and answer is used to present in the form of songs. Katamkatha Pattukal (Riddle-songs) are much shorter in size and also suitable for children to remember. These songs are helpful in developing curiosity and knowledge of children.

Kathupattukal
Kathupattukal is a main branch of Mapillappattu (Song of the Muslim community). At a time in our villages Isalukal or the sweet voices of Kathupattukal were very popular. It is also known as Kathupattu. Generally, these songs are sung by the members of the Muslim community. Kathupattukal is designed in the form of letter posted by the wife and the reply sent by her husband. There are many such songs popular in our country. The content of the letter includes the grievances, feeling of offence of a wife and a reply to it by her husband. The song of children expressing their pain due to the absence of their dear father who is residing outside the country since many years has attracted heart of many people.

Kathirukala nritham
This is an “agricultural dance” form popular among the farmers of Southern Kerala. A model of a bull is created with the ear of the paddy. This ‘Bull’ is taken out as spectacle to the temples in a procession. The performance of musical instruments also will be there. Certain songs are also sung at that time. Karthirukala Nritham is a kind of Kala Nrittham (bull dance). The olden belief is that the performance of this art form is good for the enhancement of agriculture and for the protection of cows.

Kakkiri Pattu
‘Kakkiri’ means cucumber. ‘Kakkiripattu’ is the song in which, matters from the planting and growing of ‘Kakkiri’ till its plucking is fabricated in its content. Like ‘Cheera Pattu’ (Cheera is a variety of amaranthus) also had much popularity at a time in our country. These songs are sung in a question and answer form also. The performance of such songs is related to the agricultural activities of the country.

Kallyanakkali
This is an entertaining art conducted in connection with the marriage functions. Different communities perform this art form in different manner. It is performed by singing stories that are taken from the Puranas or epics and simultaneously putting steps in a rhythmic way. Kallyanakkali is performed by male folks. At a time this art form had great popularity among the Nair community of Kerala.

Kampatavukali/Kampatikkali 
This is a sort of rustic dance performed by the people of southern Kerala. This art form is performed by using hard rods (sticks) of Kara (a kind of thorny shrub). The costumes used for the performance are very simple. Butting the sticks with each other the players sing songs and put steps around the lamp and play. The myth says that this art form was first performed by the Pandavas of Mahabharatha. During the period of their forest-dwelling they once performed this art form praying Sun God to end the obstacles in their path. 

Kothamooriyattam
Kothamooriyattam is conducted in relation with fertility. The belief is that if Kothamooriyattam is conducted in the front-yard of the house there will be financial enhancement in that year. The group that performs Kothamooriyattam includes a main character, who enacts the role of Kothamoori with colours smeared on the face, one or two members of the Paniyan community, play the musical instrument along with some women folks to sing songs. The Paniyans with outfits made of coconut-leaves also wear mask on their face. The group enters each and every house, which has become prosperous after the harvest and put steps in a particular rhythm. After singing and playing some tricks Paniyans receive some articles from the members of the house. They sing songs praising Lord Siva, Bhagavathi (Goddess), Lord Krishna etc. 

Kothikku Mantrikkal
‘Kothi’ means covetousness. There is a belief that if a person eats food when another person is looking on, the person who is eating the food will get indigestion due to the power of covetousness of the person looking on. Not every person’s covetousness will have the power to affect; but only of certain person’s. Stupefaction in the stomach, acidity etc. are some of the symptoms of the affectation of covetousness. Ordinarily, if happened so, there is remedy among the villagers such as chanting ‘mantras’ to annihilate the affect of covetousness. 

It is believed that if salt, pepper, tamarind etc. applied with ‘mantras’ are given, the covetousness will get vanished. There is no need of learning mantras in depth for this purpose. Ordinarily, the old woman in the house does chant mantras to destroy the affect of covetousness. In some villages, the people are seen practicing a different method to destroy the effect of evil eye. Here the old woman in the house moves some pepper and salt taken in hand around the head of the child and throws them into the fire in the kitchen hearth.

Kolattam
In Kolattam, small bells are fixed on a short rod. The players taking a pair of rods in hands sing and clap each other; simultaneously they take steps in a circular manner. This art form is practiced by women folk. Movements seen in ‘Kolattam’ are similar to that seen in the performance of ‘Thiruvathirakkali’.

Koothanum Koothachiyum
This art form, which prevailed during the days of kings, was performed to renew the memory of the couples Koothan and Koothachi. Also there are the memoirs of the agricultural crops of that period and of the belief in God in the performance of this art form. The performance of this art form gets completed through the performance of five songs and dances. This art form begins with praises of Sun God. The whole play is presented in parts like Pantali Kali, Chela Kali, Chempanachen Kali, Poora (Poola) Kali etc. This art form is exclusively of the communities like Malavettuvan and Gothras of Kasargod and Kannur districts.

Khshulmakam
This is the play of finding out the hidden thing from the folded hand, whether the thing is single or double. This play is performed by village children. The players hold grain or such things in the folded hand and ask the opponent whether the grain in the folded hand is single or double. When the reply is received, the players open their folded hand and the things held are counted. In this way the victory and defeat are decided. There is a system of putting debt in accordance with the victory and defeat. Some sort of solution is made between the player and the opponent in order to pay the debt.

Kumbha Nritham
Kumbha Nritham is otherwise known a ‘Monthakali’. Taking small pot (mug) on the head and singing songs, the performers dance in a circular manner. Sometimes the players might have taken more than one pot on their head. Without falling the pots from the head, the players move around and sing. The steps, which begin with gentle rhythm finally becomes speedy.

Kummattikkali 
This is an art form popular in the district of Palakkad, Thrissur, Wayanad etc. To the public of Thrissur it is an entertainment; but in other places it is considered as a ritual art. Wearing the crowns made of Nochikkol (a stick from Nochi, a medicinal plant Negunda), flowers, Vazhakkoompu (plantain-shoot), Areca nut palm and hiding the body with Parpatakappullu’ (a medicinal plant) the characters like Thallakkummatti, Lord Sreekrishna,Lord Siva, Kirathen, Darikan, Sage Naradan, King Mahabali, Lord Mahavishnu and also the lieutenants of Lord Siva such as Kumbhan, Kumbhodaran, Palumkuvayaran, Bali, Sugreevan, Hanuman etc. do appear on stage in Kummattikkali. The characters, which wear the costumes, do not sing. The songs are sung by other members of the group. 

Kurathiyattom 
This art form with more musical importance has variations such as Thekkan (Southern) Kurathiyattom and Vadakkan (Northern) Kurathiyattom. In Vadakkan Kurathiyattom much importance is given to music than to the prosy dialogue. Characters like Kurathi, Kuravan, Nattupramani (important person in the village) Kallushappukaran (Owner of toddy shop), Vridhan (old man) etc. would appear on stage. The content of Vadakkan Kurathiyattom is interesting. The Kuravan and Kurathi who comes to participate in the festival of Thrissur Pooram get separated due to tumult. They wander through the street in search of each other. At the end they meet together and following some petty quarrels between them they reconcile. 

The characters in this art form like women folks are enacted practically by male artistes. There will be background musicians to sing in company for the songs sung by the characters. Mridangam (Tabor) and Kaimony (Hand-bell) are the musical instruments used in background. Vadakkan Kurathiyattom is merely an enactment of an art form having social importance. But Thekkan Kurathiyattom is not so; it is a temple art also. Here, in this art form, characters like Kurathi, Kuravan and Muthiamma appear on stage.

Mangalamkali
This is an entertainment art form being performed in connection with Mangalam or marriage. In certain places this art form is known by the name Kalyanakkali. This art form is popular among the Pulaya community in Northern Kerala. The performers use percussion instruments like Para. Kannupara (another kind of drum) as they sing and play. When the symphony gets thickened they move in circle and perform dance. This art form is prevalent among the Mavilar community. 

Maramoodan Kali
This is an art form performed usually by the ‘Malavettuvan’ tribal community and prevalent in the districts of Kasaragod and Kannur. ‘Elumpan’ and ‘Kolumpan’ are the main characters of this play. These brothers were the slaves of a landlord. When they didn’t get sufficient food to fill their stomach and sufficient money to meet their needs, they found no other go to perpetuate life, but to steal. They began to steal from the farms and barns of the landlord and thereby continued their life. But one day the landlord found out their theft. They were given severe punishments. Due to the cruel torture Kolumpan died. On the third day after his death Kolumpan showed his existence through Elumpan. Thus via Elumpan, Kolumpan began to proclaim divine words. He asked the people to enact his character with costumes (Kolam) every year, after the tenth day in the month of Thulam (September/October). The character is expected to visit each and every house of the village and offer to Lord Shiva the alms received as libation. This art form is performed as a ritual art even today.

Nattippattu
These are the songs that have been sung by the women of Kerala, at one frame of time, on the fields, in relation with their agricultural work. Even though it has been on the ruins, this tradition is maintained even today. These songs are sung during the time of transplanting of the seedlings, removal of the weeds and also during the time of harvest and treading. As it is sung during the time of transplantation of the seedlings, it got its name, ‘Njattupattu’. In north Malabar, the songs, which were sung for the same were that of the ‘Vadakkanpattu’ songs like, ‘Thacholipattu’, ‘Aromal Cheakavarude Pattu’ etc. The other songs that belong to the northern stream are the songs of the brave heroes like ‘Murukkancheri Kelu’. Here, a person sings the song and the others follow.

Onappattukal
There are numerous entertainments and songs related to Kerala’s national festival ‘Onam’. There is even a particular section known as ‘Onappattukal.’ Any entertainment related to Onam would feature songs also. The prosperous good old days are depicted through Onappattukal. While going to pluck flowers during Onam days, making floral arrangements, performing Thumbi Thullal (A pastime of woman folks during Onam celebration) and while swinging, songs are sung, befitting the occasion. During Onam days, artistes wearing costumes of Theyyam / Thira do visit village households and sing songs. Onappattukal are sung not only by male and female folks but also by children. For each and every thing related to Onam festival, people sing to suit the occasion.

Pakkanarattam
Pakkanarattam is an art form being performed among the communities of Pulaya, Ganakar etc. The costume of the character – Pakkanar wearing a tri-angled mask made from the spathe of the areca palm, with coconut leaf put around is important. Performers sing verses in two lines. Drum, hand bell, cymbal etc. are the musical instruments used in the performance.

Parichakali 
This is an art form related to Kalari culture. Ten or twelve artistes do participate in the performance. The use of loincloth in the waist and also the use of headdress are in practice. The performer wears foot tinkles. Parichakali is performed using shield and sword in hand. 

Parichamuttukali 
This is a martial art form. The performers stand in a circular position. Shaking the shield and sword in hand they perform the act of attack and resistance-such is the character of performance of this art form. In the middle part of Kerala and also in southern Kerala this art form has much popularity. This art form also has roots in the Christian community of Kerala.

Pulayarati
This is an entertainment art form, which exists among the Pulaya community of Northern Kerala. Dividing themselves into two groups the players perform the play in a competitive mood. There will be sticks in the hands of each and every player. Connected with the performance of the play the performers do sing and beat drums strongly. Only healthy persons could enact this play.

Sanghakali 
This is also known as Sastrakali, Chathirakali or Vatrakali. Essentially a socio-religious dance which was a very favourite and popular pastime of Namboodiris, it was performed as a votive offering. The origin of Sanghakali may be traced to the numerous gymnasia (known as Kalaris) in ancient Kerala where physical exercises and military training with special stress on physical feats and swordsmanship were given. The last phase of the dance is called Kudameduppu. It is martial in character and actually in the form of combat exercise displaying the skill in swordsmanship and the mastery of techniques in the use of other weapons

Thacholi Kali
Thacholi Kali is popular in the District of Kozhikode. An oil lamp is lit and performers sing and dance around the oil lamp. Thacholi Pattu (song praising the heroism of Thacholi Othenan, an expert in martial art) is usually sung during this performance. While one person sings the others accompany him. While playing and singing the performers do exhibit certain acrobatics also. The persons who posses control over their body and have training in Kalari (acrobatics etc.) usually participate in the performance of Thacholi Kali.

Thalikakali
Thalikakali is a dance form in which the performers carry plates on both the hands. Even if the performers perform dance in various styles according to the songs and rhythms the plates they carry would not fall down. What adds symphony to play is the use of cymbal. Thalikakali is also known in the following names like Thalamkali, Kinnamthali etc. Among the community of Thiyya of Kozhikode and Malappuram districts the performance of Thalikkali is common in marriage ceremonies. 

Thudippattu
The Pulaya community conducts Thudippattu. As per the myth the musical instrument Thudi was made by the Pulaya as per the order of god to add grandeur to their divine dance. The performers of Thudippattu mainly sing this mythical story to praise the favorite deities. Narrating stories is also common in the performance of Thudippattu.

Uriyatti Kali
In connection with the festivals like ‘Ashtami Rohini’ (birthday of Lord Krishna) the ritual art form ‘Uriyatti Kali’ takes plays in certain temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. A pot filled with milk will be hung on a tree. There will be proper arrangements for lifting and lowering the pot as one likes. The person who puts on a make-up to resemble Lord Krishna comes forward and tries to reach and catch the pot. Then with the accompaniment of harmonious sound of musical instruments, he performs the dance. It is an interesting art form to watch.

Uri Kali
Uri Kali is performed mostly in the regions of North Kerala. Strings are hung at various points. Holding these strings the performers sing songs and put steps. By the time when the song ends the strings would have taken the form of an ‘Uri’. (Uri is a domestic swinging shelf, hung by a rope and used for keeping articles in vessels). Again singing songs and putting steps these ‘Urikal’ are brought to the former form. The players who perform this play are the women folk.

Vatithallu
This is an entertainment art form popular among the Harijan community of middle Kerala. This art form is performed by two persons. With rhythmic steps the players beat and obstruct themselves with the sticks in their hand, which is the typical method of this play. To provide a rhythmic grandeur to the play the drum is beaten. The performance of this art form reminds of the fencing with the sticks in Kalarippayattu, the famous marital art form of Kerala.

Velakali
Velakali is a martial art that is being practiced in Alappuzha and Kollam districts of Kerala. Irrespective of the cast and creed, every one can take part in this form of art. But it is mostly being practiced by Nairs. The plots are taken from the themes like Kaurava - Pandava war, Deva - Asura war etc. and are used for the lyrics of the background songs. It is an art form in which more than forty men get involved in vibrant movements with a sword and a round shield on their hands. The renowned ‘Ambalappuzha Velakali’ is to be mentioned here. Shuddhamadhalam, Thakil, Kombu, Kuzhal, and Elathalam are the percussions used.