Padayani Experience

A powerful ritual of masks, drums, and devotion honoring Goddess Bhadrakali and Kerala’s ancient spirit

This ceremonial dance, which incorporates the use of masks, is an ancient ritual performed in temples dedicated to the Goddess Bhagavati. Typically conducted at night within temple grounds, the Padayani rituals serve as a symbolic gesture to appease the Goddess Bhadrakali, whose wrath persists even after her triumph over the legendary demon Darikan.

The duration of the festivities can range from seven to 28 days, depending on the number of villages involved in the festival. The term ‘Padayani’ translates to ‘row of warriors,’ and this art form seamlessly integrates music, dance, theatre, satire, facial masks, and paintings. It is an integral part of the worship of Bhadrakali, taking place in temples dedicated to the goddess from mid-December to mid-May. Padayani is particularly distinctive to central Travancore, encompassing the Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts, and is also performed in neighboring areas such as Kollam and Alappuzha.

This tradition is viewed as a remnant of pre-Brahmanical Dravidian worship practices and serves as a form of gratitude for a bountiful harvest, which villagers believe is contingent upon divine blessings. In essence and execution, Padayani embodies the characteristics of epic theatre and represents a purification ritual performed by the community to dispel malevolent forces. It bears resemblance to Theyyam, a ritual dance found in northern Kerala. The percussion instruments integral to Padayani include the padayani thappu, chenda, para, and kumbham. The Padayani performance at Puthukulangara Devi Temple in Othera, Pathanamthitta District, is particularly renowned, with the Bhairavi kolam, celebrated on the final day of the festival, being especially famous. This intricate display utilizes 1001 pieces of bark from the arecanut palm tree.