Mohiniyattam at Ballymena Onam: A Graceful Salute to Kerala
- Jayaprakash Marayoor
- Sep 18
- 1 min read
Photo: Amalu Krishna
Event: Ballymena Malayali Community Onam Celebration
Featuring: Mohiniyattam performance with Karma Kalakendram
Date: 18 September 2025
Karma Kalakendram joined the Ballymena Malayali Community’s Onam festivities with a luminous Mohiniyattam presentation by Amalu Krishnan—an ode to Kerala’s classical heritage shaped by grace, geometry, and subtle expression.
Rooted in the Nātyaśāstra, Mohiniyattam is known for its soft, flowing lines and expressive storytelling. The language of the eyes leads the abhinaya, supported by 13 head (śiro) movements and three neck (grīva) movements, each carrying a distinct meaning and mood. Technique training spans 60 adavus (basic units), traditionally grouped as Thaganam, Jaganam, and Sammishram, building a foundation of rhythm, posture, and poise.
Ahārya Abhinaya:costume and make-up,plays a vital role: motifs draw on the sun and moon, with visual elements inspired by the Great Hornbill, Kerala’s state bird. Historically shaped by Swathi Thirunal’s reforms and later elevated into modern academic practice by Vallathol, Mohiniyattam has journeyed from temple courts to contemporary stages worldwide.
Learn Mohiniyattam in Northern Ireland
Karma Kalakendram is welcoming new learners (children and adults) who wish to study Mohiniyattam in authentic Kerala style. To enquire about upcoming classes in Northern Ireland, contact us via our website form. Phone:07961929156
Tags: #Onam #Ballymena #Malayali #Mohiniyattam #KarmaKalakendram #KeralaCulture #ClassicalDance #NorthernIreland #LearnMohiniyattam #CommunityArts
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