Kummattikkali - a dance with leafy dress

Popular in some of the northern districts of Kerala, mainly Thrissur, Kummattikkali is a spectacular folk art form, which is performed during the Onam season. The dancers wear wooden masks and adorn themselves with leaves, flowers and sprigs of grass. They go dancing from house to house enacting characters of Thalla (witch) and Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The songs for this dance form are mainly devotional in theme and have the accompaniment of Onavillu, a bow like musical instrument. No formal training is needed in performing this art and even the spectators can take part in it.