Experience timeless tales come to life — only at the Cochin Cultural Centre.
(classical dance-drama elements in Kathakali)
When you visit Kerala, you’re not just stepping into lush landscapes and backwaters — you’re entering a land where myth and reality gracefully intertwine. At the Cochin Cultural Centre, we invite you to witness this union through the powerful and poetic art of Kathakali — Kerala’s classical dance-drama that breathes life into India’s oldest epics.
Epics on Stage: Ramayana, Mahabharata & More
Kathakali is more than performance. It’s an ancient artform that preserves and retells India’s epic literature — especially the Ramayana and Mahabharata — through vivid visuals, expressive gestures, and dramatic storytelling.
Each performance at the Cochin Cultural Centre is a journey through time. You’ll watch stories that are thousands of years old unfold before your eyes, told not through words, but through expressions (navarasas), symbolic hand gestures (mudras), and rhythmic movement — accompanied by live traditional music and drums.
From the battle between good and evil, to the moral struggles of legendary heroes, Kathakali brings these timeless tales to life in a way that transcends language and touches the soul.
Costume & Color: The Language of Legends
Kathakali’s elaborate costumes and face makeup aren’t just visually striking — they’re deeply symbolic.
- A green face (pacha) often represents noble, divine characters like Lord Rama or Krishna.
- A red beard (tati) signifies villains or demons, such as Ravana or Dushasana.
- The costumes are grand, layered, and rich with detail — echoing the grandeur of the characters and the stories they carry.
At Cochin Cultural Centre, we offer visitors a chance to watch the transformation process, where an ordinary artist becomes a mythological character through paint, fabric, and centuries-old technique.
Preserving the Past for the Present
Every performance at our centre is more than entertainment — it’s a living archive of Kerala’s cultural soul. Our artists undergo years of rigorous training in Kallari (body training), classical music, and spiritual discipline to carry forward this sacred legacy.
By supporting Kathakali, you are helping to preserve one of India’s oldest theatrical traditions, one that continues to educate, inspire, and enchant.
Your Front-Row Seat to Ancient India
Whether you’re a cultural explorer, a history enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, Kathakali offers an experience like no other.
At the Cochin Cultural Centre, our evening performances are designed to immerse you in Kerala’s rich narrative tradition, while remaining accessible and unforgettable for global audiences.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Cochin Cultural Centre, Fort Kochi
Show Timings:
- 5:00 PM – Makeup Demonstration (open to all visitors)
- 6:00 PM – Live Kathakali Performance
Bookings: https://cochinculturalcentre.org/ - Walk-ins Welcome
Travel through time. Witness the legends. Feel the culture.
Only at the Cochin Cultural Centre — where every performance is a step into Kerala’s epic past.
