Mohiniyattam (ā´Žāĩā´šā´ŋā´¨ā´ŋā´¯ā´žā´āĩā´ā´) is one of the eight classical dance forms of India, originating from Kerala. The name comes from two Sanskrit words: 'Mohini' (divine enchantress, a form of Lord Vishnu) and 'Attam' (dance). Mohiniyattam is known for its graceful, swaying movements, delicate footwork, and expressive storytelling (abhinaya). It is predominantly performed by women and is characterised by gentle, wave-like body movements that mimic the swaying of coconut palms and ocean waves.
Mohiniyattam = 'Dance of the Enchantress Mohini'; classical dance of Kerala
Characterized by graceful swaying movements, white-gold costume, Manipravalam songs
Lasya style â soft, feminine, lyrical
Revived by Vallathol Narayana Menon and Kerala Kalamandalam (1930)
One of 8 classical dances of India recognised by Sangeet Natak Akademi
Other Kerala classical dance: Kathakali (powerful, masculine â Tandava style)
Performed predominantly by women; single dancer enacts all roles (Ekaharya)
Meaning: Mohiniyattam = 'Dance of Mohini' (divine enchantress)
Mythological origin: According to Hindu mythology, Mohini was a female avatar of Lord Vishnu who enchanted demons to recover the nectar of immortality (amrit) during Samudra Manthan. The dance is said to embody this enchanting, graceful form.
Historical origin: Mohiniyattam has roots in the Natya Shastra tradition. References appear in texts from the 16th century, but it flourished significantly in the court of Swati Tirunal, the Travancore ruler (1813â1846), who composed many pieces for the dance.
Revival: Like many Indian classical arts, Mohiniyattam declined under colonial rule and was revived in the 20th century, notably by poet Vallathol Narayana Menon who founded the Kerala Kalamandalam in 1930.
Grace and femininity: Known for its soft, gentle, lyrical quality â very different from the powerful, vigorous movements of Kathakali (also from Kerala).
Lasya style: Mohiniyattam belongs to the Lasya style of dance (gentle, graceful, feminine) as opposed to Tandava (powerful, masculine).
Swaying movements: Characteristic side-to-side swaying movements of the torso (called Cholkettu) mimic the swaying of coconut palms, waves, and gentle breezes.
Ekaharya: Mohiniyattam traditionally features only one female dancer who enacts all roles.
Abhinaya (expression): Heavy emphasis on facial expressions and hand gestures (mudras) to narrate stories, usually from Hindu mythology.
Language: Songs are in Manipravalam â a blend of Sanskrit and Malayalam.
Costume:
Music:
This simple, elegant costume contrasts with Kathakali's elaborate headgear and face paint.
India's eight classical dances recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi:
Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form from Kerala, India. The name means 'Dance of Mohini' (divine enchantress). It is known for its graceful, swaying movements, white-and-gold costume, and expressive storytelling. It belongs to the Lasya (gentle/feminine) style of dance and is performed predominantly by women.
Mohiniyattam belongs to Kerala. It is one of Kerala's two classical dance forms â the other being Kathakali. While Kathakali is powerful and dramatic (Tandava), Mohiniyattam is gentle and graceful (Lasya).
The 8 classical dances of India recognised by Sangeet Natak Akademi are: 1. Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), 2. Kathak (North India), 3. Kathakali (Kerala), 4. Mohiniyattam (Kerala), 5. Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), 6. Odissi (Odisha), 7. Manipuri (Manipur), 8. Sattriya (Assam).
Both are classical dance forms from Kerala. Kathakali: powerful, dramatic, Tandava style; elaborate face paint, headgear, and costumes; performed by men; stories from Mahabharata/Ramayana. Mohiniyattam: graceful, gentle, Lasya style; white-gold costume, minimal make-up; performed by women; single dancer (Ekaharya). Kathakali is visual and theatrical; Mohiniyattam is lyrical and expressive.
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