Introduction

Deep in the heart of Kerala’s cultural soul lies a dance-drama unlike any other — Kathakali, a spectacular blend of storytelling, vibrant costumes, classical music, and facial expression. At Cochin Cultural Centre in Fort Kochi, this centuries-old art form comes alive daily, offering a window into the mythological world of gods, demons, and legendary heroes.

What is Kathakali?

Kathakali is one of the most iconic classical dance forms of Kerala. Known for its dramatic storytelling, elaborate makeup, and majestic costumes, Kathakali combines literature, painting, music, acting, and dance into one powerful performance. The word “Kathakali” means “story-play” — and that’s exactly what you witness: epic tales performed with unmatched precision and beauty.

Rooted in the 17th century, Kathakali draws from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as other classical texts. The performers undergo years of rigorous training to master body movements, hand mudras (gestures), and navarasas (nine facial emotions) — all essential elements of the performance.

The Green-Faced Hero and Other Characters

One of the most fascinating aspects of Kathakali is its elaborate makeup and face painting, which instantly signals a character’s nature:

• Green Face (Pacha): Represents noble and heroic characters like Lord Rama or Krishna.
• Red Beard (Chuvanna Thaadi): Denotes villains and demons.
• White Beard (Vella Thaadi): Used for divine beings like Hanuman.
• Black Face (Kari): Symbolizes evil and hunters.
• Yellow Face (Minukku): Indicates gentle and spiritual characters, such as women or sages.

The process of applying makeup is itself a ritual — taking hours to complete and setting the stage for a powerful transformation.

Music, Movements & Mudras: The Language of Kathakali

Kathakali is a silent art — there is no spoken dialogue. Instead, it uses a complex system of mudras (hand gestures) and facial expressions to convey the entire story. Every blink, every muscle twitch, every gesture has a precise meaning.

The dancers are accompanied by live Carnatic vocal music, chenda (cylindrical drum), maddalam, and elathalam (cymbals), all working in perfect harmony to elevate the emotion and drama of the scenes.

Kathakali at Cochin Cultural Centre

If you’re in Kochi and wondering where to witness the grandeur of Kathakali, Cochin Cultural Centre is the answer. For over two decades, we have been committed to preserving and promoting Kerala’s classical heritage.

What You’ll Experience:

• Live Kathakali Makeup Session – Watch the transformation of a performer from an ordinary human to a mythological figure. This begins an hour before the show.
• Traditional Musical Accompaniment – Performed by skilled musicians, adding depth to the performance.
• Expert Narration – Understand the story, characters, and their roles with multilingual explanations to help first-time viewers fully enjoy the show.
• Daily Performances – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, every day.

Our performance space is designed like a traditional theatre, allowing you to enjoy the intimacy and intensity of Kathakali up close.

Why You Must Watch a Kathakali Performance

Watching Kathakali is not just attending a cultural event — it’s witnessing a living tradition passed down through generations. It gives you:

• A deep insight into Indian mythology.
• A rare chance to see expression-based storytelling at its finest.
• An unforgettable memory of Kerala’s artistic spirit.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, a night of Kathakali at Cochin Cultural Centre will leave you spellbound.

Final Thoughts

Kathakali is more than a performance — it is an emotion, a discipline, a heritage that continues to captivate audiences from across the world. At Cochin Cultural Centre, we invite you to take a front-row seat into this mesmerizing world of green faces and grand stories.

Come, witness a timeless tradition that speaks with the eyes, dances with the soul, and leaves a mark on your heart.