Kuthiyottam performed at Sabarimala Sannidhanam.

Kuthiyottam performed at Sabarimala Sannidhanam.

Kuthiyottam is in fact a ritualistic symbolic representation of human ‘bali’( homicide). Folklore exponents see this art form, with enchanting well structured choreography and songs, as one among the rare Adi Dravida folklore traditions still preserved and practiced in Central Kerala in accordance to the true tradition and environment. Typical to the Adi Dravida folk dances and songs, the movements and formations of dancers (clad in white thorthu and banyan) choreographed in Kuthiyottam are quick, peaks at a particular point and ends abruptly. A few exponents also cite similarities for Kuthiyottam in Padayani, another popular folklore of Central Travancore. Similarly, the traditional songs also start in a stylish slow pace, then gain momentum and ends abruptly.