MUDIYETTU

• Mudiyettu is a traditional ritualistic dance drama in Kerala, India. It's a vibrant art form that combines elements of dance, music, and drama. Mudiyettu is performed in honor of the goddess Bhadrakali and usually takes place in Bhadrakali temples.
• The performance involves elaborately dressed performers enacting stories from the Hindu mythology, particularly the battle between the goddess Kali and the demon Darika. The main performer, portraying Kali, wears an ornate headdress called a mudiyettu and vibrant costumes. The dance movements, accompanied by rhythmic drumming and chanting, are integral to the storytelling.
• Mudiyettu is not just entertainment; it holds cultural and religious significance in Kerala, celebrating the victory of good over evil while also preserving traditional art forms and folklore.
• Mudiyettu is also known as Mudiyeduppu. The word "Mudi" refers to the headgear of Kali, which is made of wood or metal
• The ritual is a village-wide ceremony where everyone participates. The locals arrive at the temple early in the morning on a designated day after the summer crops have been gathered
• The performance begins with a "Kalampooja", which is the worship of a drawing. The drawing is then erased, and musicians perform hymns. The stage is then set for the drama
• Originally, the characters performed with speech and dance. Later, rhythmic steps were introduced to make the performance more interesting. Viewers also participate in the performance
• Mudiyettu is on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage

3. Way forward

This recognition by UNESCO highlights the cultural significance of Mudiyettu as an ancient ritualistic art form that embodies the rich traditions, rituals, and community practices of Kerala. The inscription aims to raise awareness about Mudiyettu's cultural value and promote its preservation for future generations. UNESCO's acknowledgment also helps in safeguarding and supporting efforts to sustain this unique form of performance art

Source: The Hindu