The rhythmic movements of Thavadi dance in Padayani

With dance movements that are gentle with synchronized moves of the hands and the feet, following the rhythmic beats of the Ilathaalam or cymbal and drums mark the beginning of Thavadi dance. Thavadi dance is one of the rituals in Padayani, performed by a group of men. Shown here is the Thavadi dance performed during the Kadammanitta Padayani in Pathanamthitta Kerala.

Padayani, literally means the military formations, is a ritualistic dance offered to Goddess Bhadrakaali in some of the temples in the Central Travancore region of Kerala, India.