Pacha - Kathakali Make-up

Pacha is the name of a make-up in Kathakali. It literally means green and is donned by virtuous or heroic characters. Hence kings and divine characters wear this make-up. Some characters portrayed in this make-up are Dharmaputra, Nala, Daksha, Bhimasena and Arjuna.

Kathakali make-up is classified into five types according to the nature of the character. They are Pacha (green), Kathi (knife), Kari (black), Thaadi (beard) and Minukku (radiant). Thaadi is further classified into three viz., Chuvanna Thaadi (red beard), Vella Thaadi (white beard) and Karutha Thaadi (black beard).

The video presents a Pacha character in Kalyanasougandhikam, a famous Kathakali play.