An Indian Art

THE HANDS - SIGN LANGUAGE: The sign Language used in Kathakali is very important and is called MUDRAS –an ancient sacred sign language that originated in the Hindu temple ritualsthousands of years ago and later adapted into the dramatic language ofKathakali.The...

THE TRAINING: KATHAKALI The training of a Kathakali actor begins at an early age when young boys leavetheir homes to dedicate the entire lives to Kathakali.The rigorous training necessary for a Kathakali actor begins at 4.00am with eye and facial...

THE CHARACTERS: KATHAKALIThe characters are categorised into symbolic "personalities" ranging from the most sanctified [Gods] to the most evil.The characters represent the evolution of humanity and the sensitive relationship between the individual, spirituality...

BACKGROUND OF KATHAKALIKathakali is ancient and classical in nature and holds centuries of tradition and culture. It is not simply a dance-drama but an act of devotion featuring the universal struggle between good and evil.Kathakali takes place in a...

Performances of KathakaliKathakali performances are not confined to a temple's courtyard; they are held in the open under the sky. Before a performance begins, chendakkaaran the instrumental musician, beats the drum to announce the news that a dance...

Make-up of KathakaliThe make-up of Kathakali character is peculiarily native to the Kerala folk-art. In folk theatrical varieties, huge marks and make-ups were as much prevalent during the historic span of time. Elaborate make- up heightens dramatic...

The Art of KathakaliKathakali employs the four abhinayas, viz Sattvika, expression of thoughts by the efforts of the mind (Bhaava and Rasa). Aangika, conveyance of ideas by the movements of the various parts of the body (gestures).,Vaacika, spoken words,...

Origin of KathakaliIt was believed that Kathakali was conceived from Krishnanaattam, the dance drama on the life and activities of Lord Krishna created by the Zamorin of Calicut. The reason for that is said as follows: Once Kottarakkara Thampuran the...

KATHAKALIKathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. It originated in the area of southwestern India now known as the state of Kerala. Kathakali is a group presentation, in which dancers take various roles in performances traditionally...

Varuna MudraBend the little finger of your right hand until the tip touches the ball of your right thumb; place the thumb of your right hand on it. Press the little finger and thumb slightly with your left thumb. At the same time, your left hand encircles...

Prithvi MudraPlace the tips of the thumb and ring finger on top of each other, using light pressure. Extend the other fingers. Do this with each hand. Do as needed, or use three times a day for 15 minutes.The Prithivi Mudra can eliminate an energy deficit...

Shunya MudraBend the middle finger until it touches the ball of your thumb. Lightly press down on the middle finger with your thumb. The other fingers are extended. Do this with each hand. Do as needed, or use three times daily for 15 minutes as a course...

Vayu Mudra of WindWith each hand bend the index finger so that its tip touches the ball of the thumb. Then press the thumb lightly onto the index finger. Extend the other fingers in a relaxed way.For chronic complaints, do this mudra three times daily...

Surabhi Mudra of COWThe little finger of your left hand touches the ring finger of your right hand. The little finger of your right hand touches the ring finger of your left hand. At the same time, the middle fingers of both hands touch the index fingers...

Complete Chart of Mudras- Mudras detailed chartComplete Chart of Mudras- Mudras detailed chartComplete Chart of Yoga Mud...

Shankh Mudra of shellEncircle the your thumb with the four fingers of your right hand. At the same time, touch the right thumb to the extended middle finger of your left hand. Together, the two hands look like a conch shell. Hold your hands in front...

Apan Mudra - mudra of EnergyWith each hand: Place the thumb, middle finger, and ring finger together—extend the other fingers. When needed, do for 5 to 45 minutes or use three times a day for 15 minutes as a course of treatment.This mudra supports the...

Linga MudraUpright Mudra or Linga MudraPlace both palms together and clasp your fingers. One thumb should remain upright; encircle it with the thumb and index finger of your other hand. Do as needed or three times a day for 15 minutes. This finger position...

Pran MudraWith each hand: Place the tips of the thumb, ring finger, and little finger together. The other fingers remain extended. As needed, use for 5 to 30 minutes. Or, as a course of treatment, do three times a day for 15 minutes. The Pran Mudra...

Asthma MudraBoth hands: Press together the fingernails of the middle fingers and keep other fingers extended. In case of an acute asthma attack, first do the Bronchial Mudra (Number 4) for 4 to 6 minutes. Then use this Asthma Mudra until the breathing...

Bronchial Mudra - respiratory problemsBoth hands: Place the little finger at the base of the thumb, the ring finger on the upper thumb joint, and the middle finger on the pad of the thumb. Extend the index finger. For an acute attack of asthma, first...

Pushan MudraDedicated to the sun god, Pushan, also the god of nourishmentV E R S I O N 1:Right hand: The tips of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger are on top of each other; the other fingers are extended. Left hand: The tips of the thumb, middle...