INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE - Mudiyettu

A traditional ritual theatre, Mudiyettu, is a folk dance and drama performed in the State of Kerala. It depicts the mythological tale of a battle between the Goddess Kali and the demon Darika. The dance is performed in the village temples, called Bhagavati Kavus, in between February and May after the harvesting season. The performers do heavy make-up and wear gorgeous attire with conventional facial painting, tall headgear, etc to give the touch of the supernatural. Mutual cooperation and collective participation of each caste in the ritual strengthens their common identity and bonding.