Patayani is a ritual folk art associated with the festivals of certain temples in southern Kerala. Literally the word means “rows of army“ the art is a symbolic enactment the victory march of Goddess Kaali over the demon Darika. There is no time limit for a performance which usually features a minimum of 12 kolams or characters, like Bhairavi ( Goddess Kaali), Kalan (god of death), Yakshi (a goddess), Pakshi (a bird) etc. A kolam wears a huge headgear with many projections and devices, a face mask, a breast plate etc.