Art is an entrenched part of Keralite culture and particularly the performance arts stand out. The people of Kerala are passionate about their enchanting dances and martial arts, and many parents enroll their children in classes from a very young age. Singing, too, is something that many Keralites take much pride in and are happy to share intimately with friends and loved ones or openly to large public audiences.

Some performance arts native to Kerala include Kathakali, Kalari, and Kolkali.

Kathakali is a play that is acted out through dance, gestures and elaborate facial expressions. The stories transmitted through Kathakali performances are from ancient Indian folklore found in manuscripts many times longer than those of the Bible.

Kalaripayattu, colloquially known as Kalari is a Keralan martial art. It is suspected to be the oldest prevailing martial art in India and amongst the oldest in the world. There are several forms of Kalari; some with weapons, others with bare hands. Legend says that true Kalari masters can deliver a strategic lethal punch that promises death after 30 days. Dr. Jisha Kalyani arranged a demonstration at the University of Calicut.

A derivative of Kalari, Kolkali is a sort of dance performed with sticks. Performers move around in circles, striking their sticks together to create rhythm and a visually pleasing flow. Mohamed Haseeb arranged a performance for us at the Parappanangadi beach.