It is one of the most elaborate and spectacular
martial folk arts of Kerala. This ritual art form is usually presented within
the temple premises and is called Thirumumbil vela when performed before the
deity and Kulathilvela when performed near the temple pond. Fifty or more performers
in the traditional attire of soldiers, bearing colourful shields and swords
or long canes, dance with war like steps in perfect orchestration with the resounding
rhythm of the thakil, suddha maddalam, elathalam, kuzhal and trumpets. A few
fighting techniques of Kalaripayattu are also displayed in the course of the
performance.
