Kerala has a rich repertoire of folk dances. They reflect the temperaments and moods of the localities in music and costumes and are highly developed.  sowing of seeds festivals etc.  Most of the folk dances are performed to the accompaniment of songs, which are sung by the dancers themselves or occasionally by a group of musicians. Some are performed to the accompaniment of musical instruments only

The Thullal: Ottam Thullal was first introduced by one of the leading poets of Malayalam named Kunjan Nambiar. The dancer is dressed in colourful costumes, painted face and headgear. This art form is performed during Temple festivals. Thullal is modified form of Chakiar Koothu, which is also a temple art performed during festivals. The Chakiars used to tense people present in the audience while performing the Koothu. The Nambiars used to play ‘Mizhavu’ or Drum during Koothu. Kunjan Nambiar was an expert Mizhavu player. Once during Koothu Nambiar happened to fall asleep and the Cahkiar mde fun of him in the presence of the audience.
The nest night when the Chakiar resumed his serial Koothu, on th opposite side of the Temple ground a new stage was set up and a new art form which was unknown to the audience, so people rushed there to witness this new and funny art. Thus Kunchan Nambiar introduced his new invention. This was the Birth of a new form of art consisting of fast and rhythmic movements.
Ottam Thullal was first introduced by one of the leading poets of Malayalam named Kunjan Nambiar. The dancer is dressed in colourful costumes, painted face and headgear. This art form is performed during Temple festivals.

The Mudiyettu,: This Ritual art is performed in Devi Temples of Central Kerala. It represents the encounter between goddess Bhadrakali and the demon Daruka. Lord Brahma had given Daruka boon that he would not be killed easily. Each drop of blood that fell from his body would give rise to another Daruaka. Thus his opponent would be finally defeated. But the mighty Bhadrakali did not allow his blood to spill. He was destroyed by the fierce goddess wearing garlands of human skulls and bones. The goddess lifted him up and severed his head, licked every drop of blood that fell from his body. Mudiyettu represents the fight between good and evil and the final victory of good.

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