This folk dance is prevalent among the Thiyyas of Malabar & usually performed in Bhagavathy temples as a ritual. Poorakkali requires specially trained and highly experienced dancers. The performer must know all the techniques and feats of Kalaripayattu. Kalaripayattu is a system that consists various physical exercises formerly in vogue in Kerala State. Here, the performer stands near the traditional lamp and dances in eighteen different phase and rhythm, each phase being called a Niram.