It is mostly performed in temples by the chakyar community and Ambalavasi Nambiars who dons the role of a jester along with instruments like Mizhavu and llathalam. He starts the performance with the invocation of the presiding deity of that temple then goeson to narrate episodes of the puranas. He also narrates and ridicules local and current situations in the area using wit and humor.
Art
Chakyar Koothu
History of Chakyar Koothu
Chakyar Koothu is one of the oldest classical art form of Kerala in which a solo performer narrates different episodes from epics and puranas. It is an 1800 year old art form in which the dance movements, gestures and facial expressions are done as per the 2nd century Natyasastra treatise on theatre written by Sage Bharatha.
How to perform
This art is performed by a solo performer who is also the narrator in a unique headgear resembling a snake’s hood and a black moustache. His body will be smeared with sandal wood paste with red dots all over his body. His narration will be a mixture of prose and poetry mixed with innocent mockery, wit and humor and usually performed in conjunction with festivals.
Famous artists from kerala
- Padma Shri Mani Madhava Chakyar
- Ammannur Madhava Chakyar
- Painkulam Raman Chakyar
