Kalamezhuthu Art in Kerala

The rich culture of Kerala manifests itself in several ways, led predominantly by the various ritual arts of Kerala, like the Kalamezhuthu.

A true artist sees the world as their canvas. The 40-day Kalamezhuthu festivities are held in Bhagavathy temples all over Kerala. The great gods of the area, such as Bhadrakaali, Ayyappan, Serpent, or Vettakkorumakan, are exalted and worshiped through the exquisite paintings that maestros create on the floor by combining coloured powders. These distinctive portraits, accompanied by the Kalamezhuthupattu, may be found everywhere, from temples to noble homes. The beats of several musical instruments, including the ilathalam, veekkanchenda, kuzhal, kombu, and chenda, serve as accompaniment as they are wiped at the conclusion of the process. Check out the amazing art in Kerala with our Kerala Tour packages.

What does Kalamezhuthu Art in Kerala signify?

One of the most exotic artistic expressions of Kerala, the ancient art of Kalamezhuthu, is one of Kerala’s most well-preserved ritual arts. The word Kalamezhuthu means the drawing of the “kalam” or image. Traditionally used as art to please various deities like Kaali, Ayyappan, or Vettakkorumakan, the ancient art of Kalamezhuthu is performed by skilled artists who draw powder drawings, or “dhulee chithram”, depicting the images of the deities.

How is Kalamezhuthu art in Kerala performed?

Using the floor as its canvas, the skilled artist performing the ritual art of Kalamezhuthu paints the portrait of the deity using only natural colors, which are made using materials like paddy (black), rice powder (white), dried and powdered leaves of Vaaka’-Acacia (green), turmeric powder (yellow) and a mixture of turmeric powder and quick lime (red). Using skilled fingers, the images made by these artists depict a range of emotions, which gives these images a characteristic picture. After the “kalam,” or painting, is finally completed, the boundaries of the image are made even more special by adding a sacred canopy of palm fronds, garlands of red hibiscus flowers, and thulasi, or Ocimum leaves.