Kathakali Dance || Drama dance and incon of Kerala
This is most well known dance drama that originates in Kerala from 17th century. Katha means story and kali means play. Characters with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes re-enact stories from the Hindu epics, Mahabharata, Ramayana and the ancient scriptures known as the Puranas. The actors rely very heavily on hand gesture (mudra) to convey the story.
Kathakali has traditionally been performed in Hindu temples and generally start at dusk and go through out the night. It is usually performed only by men. Female characters are portrayed by men dressed in women's costume.