Kerala is a haven for the lover of dance, drama and music and festivals.

You have scores

of art forms, which are quite unique in nature to Kerala, like Kathakali, Ottamthullal,
Chakyar Koothu,Krishnanattam,Koodiyattam,Padayani,Kalaripayattu, Pavakathakali,
Theyyam, Velakali, Thiruvathirakali, Kolkali, etc.These art forms help one to experience a
gamut of varied emotions ranging from passion, love, kindness, compassion to mirth, joy,
sorrow, grief,and from anger, wonder, horror to fear, valour, courage etc.
Kerala is home to a stunningly unique variety of art forms which have impacted the social
and cultural life of the state,adding to its typical character.Kathakali is the most popular art
form in which the entire body is used to portray a story. The Kathakali artistes wear
elaborate costumes, ornaments and facial make-up.Mohiniyattam, the dance of the
enchantress is one highlighting feminine grace while Kalaripayattu is an amazing martial art
which is said to be the originator of karate,judo and kungfu.

Kerala is also distinctly famous for its other art forms like music and poetry as well as craft
forms including murals, sculpture and architecture. The rich and vibrant culture of Kerala has
been continuing to intrigue people worldwide. The traditional classic and folk songs and
dances of the people, their ballads, their rituals and their intellectual pursuits form the real
treasures of Kerala contributing to its rich cultural heritage.
Keralas art forms reflect the life and outlook of its people. Whether it is the renowned
Kathakali, considered to be the complete art form as its synthesises all that is best in the
fields of drama, music and dance, or the folk dances which are reflections of the rhythmic
impulses of a sensitive group of people,the treasure house of Keralas art forms is a feast
for travellers and art lovers worldwide.
Kerala Lalithakala Academy for Fine Arts is an autonomous body which was established in 1962 to promote art and artistic heritage, based at Thrissur in Kerala. C.N. Balakrishnan is the
newly appointed chairman of Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi. [1]

Durbar Hall Ground in Thrissur

Though the Government of Kerala provides funding and support for the academy, the administration of the academy is designed to be autonomous by its constitution. The academy recognizes
superior art works every year through its prestigious awards. The aim of the Academy is to promote the culture, painting, plastic and visual arts

Hindu Arts[edit]

Thirayattam(Pookkutty Thira)

Ayyappan Vilakku,Shastham paatu

Kathakali

Chakyar Koothu

Nangiar Koothu

Mohiniyattam

Thirayattam

Theyyam

Padayani

Thiyyattu

Koodiyattam

Kerala Natanam

Panchavadyam

Thullal

Tholpavakoothu

Ottamthullal

Garudan Thookkam

Kolam Thullal

Poorakkali

Mudiyett

Kummattikali

Kuthiyottam

Thiriyuzhichil

Kalaripayattu

Mangalamkali

Marathukali

Malayikuthu

Mukkanchathan

Charadupinnikkali

Kothammuriyattam

Sopanam

Thacholikali

Sarpam Thullal

Pulluvan Paattu

Poothan and Thira

Yakshagana in Kasaragod

Kanyar kali in northern Palakkad district

Purattu Nadakam in Palakkad district

Pavakoothu

Kaalakali

Thiruvathira

Krishnanattam

Koodiyattam

Muslim Arts[edit]

Oppana

Mappila Paattu

Kolkali

Duff Muttu

Arabana muttu

Christian Arts[edit]

Margam Kali

Chavittu Nadakam

Parichamuttukali

Fine Arts of Kerala[edit]

Murals of Kerala