Mudiyettu is a ritual dance drama from Kerala based on the mythological tale of a battle between the Goddess Kali and the demon Darika. It is a community ritual in which the entire village participates. This dance form is performed in some Kali temples of Ernakulam and Kottayam districts of Kerala.
Mudiyettu is performed by the Kuruppu or Marar who belong to the temple bound communities of Kerala. The right to perform Mudiyettu is hereditary and now in Kerala there are only 3 or 4 Marar families continuing the tradition of performing this ritual art. The performer in the role of Kali is aided by a local guide and an attendant. Legends say that "Darika", the epitome of evil, challenged Goddess Kali to a duel. Goddess Kali slayed the demon and thus the dance celebrates the goddess"s triumph over the demon Darika.
Famous Mudiyettu Artists
The performers of Mudiyettu are all heavily made up and wear gorgeous attire with conventional facial paintings, tall headgears etc, to give a touch of the supernatural. Some of the famous performers of Mudiyettu are listed below;
•Kunjan Marar Mudiyettu Kalakendra
•Varanattu Sankara Narayana Kurup
•Varanattu Narayana Kurup
•Varanattu Gopala Krishna Kurup
•Varanattu Madhava Kurup
•Kattampack Unnikrishnan
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