The 5 Hours of Preparation: A Kathakali Artist’s Ritual Before the Show

Step Behind the Curtain at Cochin Cultural Centre

Before the thunder of drums, before the lights rise, and before the gods and demons take the stage—a quiet ritual begins.
It’s the five-hour journey of transformation that every Kathakali artist undertakes before the performance, turning a human into a living legend.

At Cochin Cultural Centre, visitors can witness this fascinating behind-the-scenes process—a rare and unforgettable glimpse into Kerala’s most iconic art form.

1. The Sacred Beginning – Cleansing & Meditation

The ritual starts hours before the audience arrives.
Each Kathakali artist begins by cleansing the face and body, symbolically washing away the ego to become one with the divine role they will portray.
This is followed by a brief prayer or meditation, invoking blessings from their gurus (teachers) and the deities of art.

Kathakali isn’t just a performance; it’s an offering.

2. The Makeup Magic – Colours That Speak

Kathakali makeup, known as “Chutti”, is not mere decoration — it’s a visual language.
Each colour defines a character’s nature:

·         💚 Green (Pacha): Heroic and noble characters like Lord Rama or Krishna

·         🔴 Red (Kathi): Arrogant kings or villains

·         ⚫ Black (Kari): Demons and evil spirits

·         🟡 Yellow/Orange (Minukku): Sages, women, and gentle souls

This makeup process can take up to threehours, done with natural pigments made from rice paste, turmeric, and vegetable dyes.
Tourists at Cochin Cultural Centre often find this stage mesmerizing — watching faces slowly turn into mythical beings.

3. Dressing in Layers – Costumes of Power and Grace

Once the makeup is complete, the next step is the grandcostume dressing.
Artists wear multiple layers of silk, thick pleated skirts, and heavy ornaments that together can weigh more than 10–15 kilograms.
Each costume adds dignity, symbolism, and volume, transforming the dancer into a larger-than-life presence on stage.

Every thread, every jewel, tells a story of devotion and discipline.

4. The Sound of Rhythm – Rehearsal with the Musicians

Before the curtain rises, the Chenda (drum), Maddalam, and Cymbals begin to echo through the performance hall.
Artists and musicians synchronize their rhythm and timing — because in Kathakali, every beat of the drum matches a heartbeat, every step tells a story.

Visitors at Cochin Cultural Centre can often hear this practice session, a thrilling preview of the performance energy that’s about to unfold.

5. The Mirror Moment – Becoming the Character

The final stage is spiritual and symbolic.
Artists look into a mirror — not to admire themselves, but to leave their identity behind.
From this moment on, they are no longer the performer; they become Ravana, Arjuna, Krishna, or a divine spirit.

When the curtains part, what you see is not an actor — but a vessel of myth and meaning.

More Than Preparation – It’s a Ritual of Transformation

What takes just a few moments for an audience to admire takes five hours of patience, practice, and prayer.
At CochinCultural Centre, this entire process is treated with sacred respect — preserving Kathakali as a living art, not just a performance.

Every evening, tourists have the rare opportunity to:
✅ Watch Kathakali artists prepare their makeup live
✅ Learn the meanings of colours and gestures
✅ Capture stunning cultural photographs
✅ Enjoy a world-class performance after the ritual