Velakali is a popular martial dance performed in some of the temples of southern
Kerala. Originated in
Ambalapuzha, this spectacular dance is performed exclusively by men.
The dancers, dressed in the traditional clothes and colorful headgear of the medieval Nair soldiers, engage in vigorous movements and dexterous sword play. The dance is accompanied with the rhythmic music of maddalam, Ilathalam, kombu and
kuzhal.
Velakali is an important feature of Ambalapuzha Arattu, which is the main festival of Ambalapuzha Shri Krishna Swami Temple.
