What is Krishnanattam?

Krishnanattam is a classical dance-drama in Kerala, India. Krishnanattam presents the Krishna Story in a series of 8 sections. It is based on Krishnagiti and It was created by Manaveda and then Zamorin of Calicut. The eight section plays are : Avataram, Rasakrida, Kaliyamardanam, Kamsavadham, Banayuddham, Swayamvaram, Swargarohanam and Vividavadham. The sections of Krishnanattam are presented on 8 consecutive nights. The players of Krishnanattam wore a peacock feather. And thus commemorated the Chieftain vision. It is the only classical drama-dance form in South India which makes use of colorful masks for ‘Evil Characters.’ The mask usage of Krishnanattam is derived from some north Kerala folk rituals. Like Theyyam and Thirayattam. The Actors in Krishnanattam does not narrate anything. But it gives attention to Singing. The singing is done by other participants. And thus there is a blend of sight and sounds. Kathakali borrowed the costumes and make-up from the Krishnanattam. The Indian musical instruments like Edakka, Chenda, Shankh, Maddhalam, Cymbals, Gong etc. are also used in this Dance-Drama.