Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor

Padayani literally means the “ranks of an army”, but is also related to religious rituals and mythological stories. It is the symbolic victory march of Goddess Bhadrakali after she defeated the demon Darikan. Unmarred by caste distinction, it is a community celebration with audiences providing an active participatory role with drums and pipes used for musical support.

The most attractive part of this ritual is the grand headgear made of broad blades of palm sheaths towering several meters high and painted appropriately to suit the characters.