Velakali

Velakali is a spectacular martial dance performed by Nair men in some of the temples of southern Kerala. Specifically, this is performed as part of the annual festivities of the Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna temple in Alappuzha district. The origin of Velakali itself is associated with Ambalapuzha, where Mathoor Panicker, the chief of the Chempakasseri army, promoted this dance to instill a martial spirit among his troops.

The dancers wear the traditional clothes and headgear of medieval Nair soldiers. The performance is distinguished by vigorous movements and dexterous play with sword and shield. In the Ambalapuzha Velakali, there are two performances, one on the banks of the temple pond (kulathilvela) and another in front of the deity who is taken out in a procession on a caparisoned elephant (thirumunpil vela). The accompaniment has several percussion and wind instruments.

This art form is 200 years old and is associated with Sakthan Thampuran of Kochi who is believed to have introduced this folk art to inject a martial spirit into the Onam celebrations.