Kummattikali during Onam

Kummattikali, a folk art form of Kerala is mainly performed during the Onam festival. This mask dance is popular in the district of Thrissur (formerly called Trichur). This video shows a group of Kummatti performers during Onam. The performers wear colourful masks and sport sprigs of a type of grass called, Kummati Pullu. They go dancing from house to house, followed by a cheering bunch of spectators.

Songs dealing with devotional themes are sung during the course of a Kummatti performance. Kummatti characters are basically from Hindu mythology. A popular character is Thalla (an old woman, sort of a sorceress). No formal training is required to perform the Kummattikali. Some times, spectators can be seen dancing together with the Kummatti performers.