Evoking deities through spectacular visuals, music, and rhythmic ensembles was an ancient tradition associated with worship and an integral part of the social life of people. Dravidian deities, prevalent in South India, were not always depicted as benevolent but were believed to be powerful and fiery. Presenting figures of deities with natural coloured powders on the floor and performing rituals is an ancient tradition in Kerala known as Kalamezhuthu. Offering these rituals to deities was believed to remove evils, bring good fortune, and ensure prosperity for families, clans, and villages. Kalamezhuthu is existing in various forms in different places. It involves creating intricate drawings on the floor, accompanied by singing special songs and performing rituals known as 'Kalamezhuthu Pattu.' 'Kalam' means picture, 'Ezhuthu' means drawing or writing, and 'Pattu' means song. Kalamezhuthu is a powder drawing tradition also known as 'Dhooleeshilpam'- 'Dhooli' means powder, and 'Shilpam' means sculpture. 

Tradition
Kalamezhuthu is typically presented for deities such as Bhadrakali (Mother Goddess), Naga (serpent), Ayyappan/Shasthavu, and Vettekkaran (the hunter version of Lord Shiva). The Bhadrakali kalam is also used as part of other rituals like Mudiyettu and Kali Theeyattu. Aniconic powder drawings are integral to several other worship traditions associated with the mother goddess. Vettekkaran kalam, a special form of Kalamezhuthu, is also known as Vekkekkaran Pattu.

Kalamezhuthu is primarily practiced by communities such as the Kuruppu, theeyadi Nambiar and Thiyyadi Unni. The team of hereditary artists creates the powder drawing, sings the songs, supports with percussion, and performs in a trance-like state. The final ritual involves wiping the kalam, typically done by a member who attains a trance-like state, following strict meditation and discipline for several days. It is believed that members of the family or group naturally attain this ability by being within that spiritual aura.

Naga kalam is a special tradition associated with serpent worship, performed by a community called the Pulluvar in Central Kerala. This ritual can last several days, featuring all-night songs, special performances, and ritual dances with fire, culminating in the wiping off the kalam by girls or women who enter a trance at the end.

Art of Kalam
The kalam is created within a designated space in temples. A temporary canopy, decorated with palm fronds and flower garlands is set up, inside which the kalam is drawn. Creating a Kalamezhuthu painting is a complex and time-consuming process that requires great skill and precision. The artist begins by preparing the floor with a mixture of cow dung and rice powder to create a smooth, and even base. Next, the artist sketches the outline of the image using charcoal or chalk. Once the outline is complete, the artist fills in the colours using powders mixed with water, applied with bamboo brushes and dry powder with freehand for certain parts. Five natural substances are used for the colours in the kalam- rice powder for white, turmeric for yellow, charcoal from paddy husk for black, a mixture of lime and turmeric for red, and powdered leaves for green. The figures drawn typically exhibit expressions of anger and other emotions. While Kalamezhuthu artists follow traditional conventions and rules, they also use their creativity to express a wide range of emotions, pouring their very souls into the work. Kalamezhuthu is performed in temples during the festival season, typically from November to May. It is also offered by devotees in temples, and sometimes performed at homes and for joint families.