Kolkali dance

November 24, 2023

Kolkali is one of the most popular folk dance of Kerala’s Malabar region.
Kolkali means ‘dance with sticks’.
Both men and women participate in the dance.
The dancers move in a circle striking small sticks and keeping rhythm with special steps according to the music.
- The circle expands and contracts as the dance proceeds.
- The accompanying music gradually rises in pitch and the dance reaches its climax.
Musical instruments used include Chenda, Elathalam, Mathalam and Chengala.
Usually it is presented once in a year after paddy harvest during the month of April.
Farmers and all villagers celebrate the festival together without any caste and creed.