Mudiyettu

Mudiyettu is a ritual theater and dance drama of Kerala that enacts the mythological tale of a battle between the goddess Kali and the demon Darika. The ritual is a part of the bhagavathi or bhadrakali cult and is performed in Bhagavati temples, usually between February and May, after the harvest. The performance is done by members of the Marar and Kuruppu communities, who paint their faces and wear elaborate costumes and headgears. It involves various characters such as Shiva, Narada, Darika, Kali, Daanavendra, Koyichaadar and Kooli . The ritual ends with a victorious Kali entering the stage holding the head of Darika, followed by a song of praise to Shiva. Mudiyettu is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and the second art form from Kerala after Kutiyattam.