Pathanamthitta, Kerala – The Pathanamthitta District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) and the district administration have jointly prepared and released a detailed Padayani Calendar for 2026, offering a comprehensive guide to one of Kerala’s most vibrant and ancient folk ritual art forms.
Mr. S. Prem Krishnan IAS, District Collector of Pathanamthitta, officially released the festival calendar by handing over a copy to Mr. K.G. Ajesh, Secretary of DTPC Pathanamthitta, at the Collectorate. Speaking at the release, Mr. Prem Krishnan said, “Pathanamthitta’s iconic traditional art form, Padayani, now has its own vibrant calendar. This initiative highlights major Padayani festivals across the district, including temple locations, dates, and other essential details, making it an invaluable resource for both tourists and locals who wish to witness authentic Padayani performances.”
Pathanamthitta is widely regarded as the heartland of Padayani, and this calendar serves as the ultimate guide for experiencing this centuries-old ritual art form, which blends mesmerizing costumes, thunderous drums, and vibrant masks symbolizing myths, devotion, and community spirit.
Padayani: A Living Heritage
Padayani is one of the most vibrant and ancient folk ritual art forms of Kerala, deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual life of the Pathanamthitta district. It is performed mainly in Bhagavathi (Kali) temples, especially during the Malayalam months of Medam and Kumbham, as part of annual temple festivals.
Padayani is a ritualistic performance combining dance, music, myth, and symbolism, enacted as an offering to Goddess Bhadrakali. The performers, traditionally men from local communities, wear towering and colourful masks known as Kolams, made entirely from natural materials such as areca nut sheaths, bamboo, cloth, and natural pigments. Each kolam represents mythological characters including Bhadrakali, Kalan, Yakshi, Pakshi, and Madan, symbolizing cosmic forces of good, evil, fear, and protection.
The performance is accompanied by powerful percussion instruments such as Chenda, Thappu, and Cymbals, along with rhythmic chanting and songs called Padayani Pattu. The intense drum beats, circular movements, and fire-lit temple courtyards create a trance-like atmosphere, reflecting the raw energy and spiritual fervour of this ancient ritual.
Rooted in ancient agrarian worship, Padayani celebrates the triumph of good over evil through energetic dances and folk narratives, preserving Kerala’s living heritage through generations. More than a visual spectacle, Padayani is a community-driven art form that strengthens social bonds and preserves oral traditions passed down through centuries. It stands apart from classical art forms due to its folk origin, ritual purpose, and dramatic visual language, making it a unique cultural identity of central Kerala.
Planning a Visit?
The Padayani Calendar 2026 provides ideal information for tourists and locals wanting to witness authentic Padayani performances in Pathanamthitta. The calendar includes comprehensive details on festival dates, temple venues, locations, and timing, serving as the ultimate guide for anyone interested in experiencing this extraordinary cultural phenomenon.
Promoting Cultural Tourism
The calendar has been crafted by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) Pathanamthitta as part of a broader initiative to promote this cultural treasure widely and link local heritage to tourism development. By providing structured information on Padayani festivals across the district, the calendar aims to increase awareness, facilitate tourism planning, and support the preservation of this ancient art form.
Today, Padayani is recognized as a living heritage of Pathanamthitta, symbolizing Kerala’s deep connection between spirituality, nature, and indigenous artistic expression. The release of the Padayani Calendar 2026 represents an important step in ensuring that this magnificent tradition continues to thrive while contributing to the cultural tourism economy of the region.
For more information on Padayani festivals and tourism in Pathanamthitta district, visitors can contact the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) Pathanamthitta or visit their official platforms.
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