Kukkavarressa

Kukkavarressa is a traditional genre of music and dance from the Kerala state in India. It is a classical art form that originated in the Kolathappan region, known for its unique and complex style of facial expressions, posing and hand gestures. The art form is named after the village of Kukkavu, which is located in the districts of Kasargod and Kannur in northern Kerala.

In Kukkavarressa, the artist performs various intricate hand gestures, facial expressions and bodily movements which narrate a story. The performance involves a complex dance pattern, intricate costumes and makeup that paint the face and neck of the performer with abstract art that add a new level of meaning and depth to the performance.

The performance of Kukkavarressa is a highly stylized and theatric representation of myths, legends and historical events, drawing from the rich cultural heritage of the region. The discussions of arts and dramatic way of conversation and talking of various traditional music genres placed alongside each other create a philosophical relation about society.

This oral art form of story telling finds its roots in the oral tradition of society as an esteemed language of telling and means of life in those days. It practiced around those areas of local people and the common social caste of people practiced as keeping house a really traditional Life all though rebuilt into a customized contemporary cultural design.

Kukkavarressa is considered a rare example of a classical art form that emphasizes the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and the unique cultural identity of its people. Efforts have been made in recent years to document and promote this art form, with training schools and institutions teaching students about the importance and complexities of Kukkavarressa.