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The costume is the most distinctive characteristic of Kathakali. Costumes are very large and heavy. There are several kinds of costume. There are: Sathwika (the hero), Kathi (the villain), Minukku (females), and Thatti. These basic divisions are further subdivided in a way which is very well known to Malayali (Keralite) audiences. Each character is instantly recognisable by their characteristic makeup and costume.
The dancers wear large head dresses mainly Kireedam, and the contours of the face are extended with moulded lime. The extraordinary costumes and make-up serve to raise the participants above the level of mere mortals, so that they may transport the audience to a world of wonders.
Kollaram
chevipoovu
kachamani
hasthakhadakam
marmala
kazhutharam
hanumanmudi
kattalan
kireedam
chamaram
chuttithuni
kurunira
mala
konda
krishnamudi
kuttichamaram
makudam
padiyaranjanam
vala
thoda
tholpoottu
puthappu
pattuval
parithikkamini
mak