Mudiyettu
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
A ritual dance-drama of central Kerala that enacts the goddess Kali’s battle with the demon Darika, performed by the whole village in Bhagavati temples after the harvest.
RitualWhere: Central Kerala, along the Chalakudy, Periyar and Moovattupuzha riversOccasion: Bhagavati temple festivals after the summer harvestUNESCO heritage 2010
| Performed by | Men of particular families, with the whole village taking part in the preparations |
|---|---|
| Costume | Kali wears a towering headdress (mudi), red and white garments and a fierce painted face; Darika wears a demon mask and headdress |
| Music and instruments | Chenda drums, cymbals and horns |
How it is performed
- Performers first draw a large image of the goddess Kali on the temple floor with coloured powders (kalam ezhuthu).
- Songs invoke the goddess, and the drawing is ritually erased.
- Actors in make-up and costume enact the story of Kali and Darika, with the gods Shiva and Narada also appearing.
- The battle between Kali and Darika is played out through the night, ending with Kali’s victory.
Significance
Every caste in the village has a role in preparing Mudiyettu, so it brings the community together. UNESCO inscribed it on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.