Chatthankali is prevalent in many areas of
Ponnani and
Tirur Taluks in
Malappuram District. The dance is performed in the attire of Chathan (a village deity), with the accompaniment of percussion instruments. Dancers carry two short sticks and click these sticks together in rhythm. Each particular dance sequence takes about ten minutes. A particular type of
Chenda (drum) is used for producing background rhythm. Linen cloth, bells around the waist, a heavy clanking anklet, headdress and a mask of areca nut leaf, with an exaggerated nose form the costume.
