Padayani is a popular ritual art prevalent in the Bhadrakali temples of Central Kerala. Kolams are an important part of Padayani art. The participants wear masks made of green spathes of the areca nut tree and Kuruthola, the tender coconut leaves.

The green portion of the spathes is cut into different sizes and shapes to form the face and headgear of different forms of the Kolams. These pieces are then ornamented using natural colours like red, yellow and black. 

Kolam Thullal (dance of the effigies) is a spectacle to watch. The Padayani Kolams make rhythmic steps in tune with the Thappu Melam. There are different types of Kolam such as Bhairavi, Ganapathy, Marutha, Yakshi, Oakshu, Kaalan etc.