Krishnanattam

The Krishnanattam is a mosaic of folk and classic arts, a dance drama, has evolved from this Krishnageethi over 300 years ago. Krishnanattam originated as a votive offering to Shri Krishna. The performance stretching eight nights is based on the Sanskrit text, Krishna Geethi. This work deals with the Krishna avatar - from Krishna's birth to his final emancipation from worldly life and ascension to heaven. It is presented in 8 episodes namely 'Avatharam', 'Kaliyamardhanam', 'Rasakreeda', 'Kamsavaddham'. 'Swayamvaram', 'Banayuddham', 'Vividha vadham', and "Swargarohana". These episodes are presented on eight consecutive nights. Since the last story is considered inauspicious, the "Avathara " always follows "Swargarohana" and it will be enacted on the ninth day. The costume and make-up are somewhat similar to Kathakali and folk arts like Mudiyettu and Theyyam. Maddalam, elathalam and chengila are the musical instruments used. Acting, dancing and singing performances are incorporated in the art. Singing is done in sopanam style in Sanskrit. Some of the characters wear masks. The performance begins at night after the ritual closing of the temples. Guruvayur temple in Thrissur has daily performance of Krishnanattom. To improve the art further and make it more spectator oriented, Koodiyattam, the oldest Sanskrit drama in Kerala was adopted to render the poem with 'Abhinayam' which are drama gestures, and thus Krishnanattam evolved. It also uses makeup and costumes of "Koodiyattam".