India Mint Stamp

Lokith Philately

Permanent Pictorial cancellation of Kerala

Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Date of issue: 09.11.1998

Pin code: 679531

Status: Active

PO Name: Cheruthuruthy

Description: Kathakali is a traditional Indian dance form that originated in Kerala. It features five principal Veshams: Kathi (Knife), Pacha (Green), Thaadi (Beard), Minukku (Radiant), and Kari (Black). These colors represent the nature of the characters, with noble and divine characters wearing Green makeup and the Kathi representing arrogant and evil characters with a touch of gallantry. The art of make-up, or "Vesham," is a significant aspect of Kathakali. Male actor-dancers wear elaborate costumes and makeup. Kathakali involves a mix of acting, dancing, and music, and the performances are accompanied by vocal and instrumental music. The make-up and costuming in Kathakali are intricate and take several hours to complete. 

The stories portrayed in Kathakali are based on the epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana, with the language mostly being Manipravaala, a mixture of Sanskrit and Malayalam. In the past, male actors portrayed female roles in Kathakali. The art faced near extinction in the early 19th century due to financial and social constraints but was revived thanks to the intervention of art connoisseurs. Some selected dance dramas in Kathakali such as 'Nalacharitham', 'Kuchelavaritham', 'Santhanagopalam', and 'Kalyanasugandhikam' are highly regarded. In 1930, Shri Vallathol founded Kalamandalam, which has trained hundreds of artists in a unique presentation of Kathakali known as the 'Kalamandalam style.'The art of the Vesham in Kathakali is displayed on the PPC.