Kolkali - rhythm with sticks

Kolkali is an interesting folk dance of Kerala. A combination of two words, kol meaning the stick and kali meaning the dance, Kolkali creates mesmerizing rhythmic effects.

During Kolkali, the dancers, all males, dance to the rhythmic beating of the sticks. They form different alignments in the course of the dance, first at a slow speed and later gather momentum.

Folk songs and musical instruments like Chenda, Ilathalam, Maddalam and Chengila add zest to the performance.

Kolkali is a 200 year old dance form. As it is also performed on a specially constructed wooden stage, it is locally called Thattinmelkali.