anjali makaram 2011

The recognition of Mudiyettu, the ageold
ritualistic dance-drama of Kerala, by the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in
November 2010 is an event that should make
every Malayalee proud of their cultural
heritage. UNESCO bestowed this recognition
by its inclusion of Mudiyettu in the
Representative List of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage of Humanity. Equally important is
the increased awareness this recognition will
generate among Malayalees about the
mythological and social aspects of this art
form.
Like much of Hindu mythology,
Mudiyettu depicts the battle between good
and evil and the ultimate victory of good over
evil. It is the story of Goddess Bhadrakaali’s
fight against and ultimate destruction of the
demon, Daarikan. Having gained a boon
Mudiyettu –
Kerala’s
Ritualistic
Dance-Drama
Chandran Pillai
from Lord Brahma through intense Tapas that
no males could kill him (in his haughtiness
he thought that no female was capable of
killing him), he caused immense suffering to
gods, goddesses, saints and the common
people. In order to alleviate their sufferings
and protect the world, Sage Narada
beseeched Lord Shiva to find a solution to
destroy Daarikan. Lord Shiva promised that
he would create Goddess Bhadrakaali from
his third eye to slay the demon. Mudiyettu
depicts the appearance of Bhadrakkaali and
the fierce battle ensuing between the
goddess and Daarikan that is portrayed in a
very ritualistic manner in a community
setting. The appearance of secondary
characters, i.e. Koyimpata Nayar (Lord
Shiva’s bodyguard) and Kooli (one of the
Pancha Bhoothams who make comic speech
and actions) help the progression of the story
and ease the tension.
Mudiyettu is traditionally performed in
KHNA - 2011
Anjali January
27