Kerala – God’s own country.

Kerala boasts such a varied landscape that you will fall in love with this place at first sight. A quiet getaway on backwaters, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life,  maze of lagoons surrounded by a sea of greenery and the peek a boo sunset through tall coconut trees, these experiences will live with you forever.

I had a great opportunity to capture a few shots at the Kathakali performance named ‘Keechaka Vadham’.   This much-acclaimed work by Irayimman Thampi (1782 to 1856) is based on an episode from the Mahabharata.

Keechaka, the commander of King Virata’s forces, attempts to woo and marry Draupadi by any means necessary; he humiliates Draupadi, prompting her to tell Bhima, her husband and one of the Pandava brothers, about it. Later, when Keechaka meets Draupadi, she requests him to rendezvous with her at a secret hiding place. He arrives there, only to find Bhima instead of Draupadi; Bhima kills him.

Kathakali performance in Kerala is something you cannot miss. ‘Kathakali’ is an important genre in the Indian classical dance form communicated to audience through excellent footwork and impressive gestures of face and hands complimented with music and vocal performance. However, it can be distinguished from the other dance forms through the intricate and vivid make-up, unique face masks and costumes worn by dancers.

Hope you enjoy this set 🙂