Kol means stick and the Kali or dance performed with sticks is called Kolkali. It is a popular folk dance of Kerala with rhythmic beating of the sticks, which the dancers hold in their hands.

Folk songs are sung along with Kolkali. Dancers form different alignments in the course of the dance at slow pace but later they burst into a frenzied tempo.

The dance form is about 200 years old. Sometimes it is performed on a specially constructed wooden stage. Hence the name Thattinmelkali is also given to this art form.

Musical instruments used are Chenda, Ilathalam, Maddalam and Chengila. Only males participate in this item.