Chakkiyarkoothu

This is an ancient dance form, believed to have been introduced by the early Aryan immigrants . This is performed by the members of the Chakkiar caste. A highly orthodox type of entertainment, it is staged inside temples only and the theatre is known as 'Koothambalam.'
The performances are usually witnessed by members belonging to the higher castes.
In Chakkiarkoothu, the story is recited in a quasi-dramatic style with emphasis on eloquent declarations with appropriate facial expressions and hand gestures. The only accompaniments are the cymbals and the drum known as the mizhavu, made of copper with a narrow mouth on which is stretched a piece of parchment.