Padayani is a word which has originated from the word 'Pada' which means army or force in Malayalam. Padayani is a traditional folk dance which is performed to please the Bhadrakali or Goddess Kali. This is a special type of dance which involves the use of semicircular masks worn on the head with the face painted. This dance form is presented at temples which houses the Bhadrakali. The period of dance is usually between Dec to May month. This dance form is most popular in the Travancore region comprising of the district of Pathanamthitta. The Padayani is considered as an old dance form which existed much before the advent of Brahmanism.

The Padayani dance form resembles the Theyyam which is popular in Northern part of Kerala. The typical instruments that are used by the Padayani artists include Kumbham, Thappu and Chenda.

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