Kathakali costume
Experiencing Keralan ritual theatre in its authentic context – against a backdrop of flickering coconut-oil lamps in a temple courtyard, with the ancient rhythms of Vedic chants and chenda drums filling the night air – is about the closest you can come to time travel. Ridged masks of rice paper, decorative headgear set with red and green stones, and voluminous skirts and jewellery adorn the “green” (pacha) heroes.
TAGS: Kerala / India / Asia / Tradition