The ritual practices of Kerala have evolved beyond mere worshipping traditions into complete performative arts showcasing an indigenous system of drama, music, dance and rhythmic expression. Mudiyettu, a ritual dance drama tradition of Kerala, which was once a part of temple ceremonies, has now gained international acclaim. It is one of the two art-forms from Kerala included in the representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO. Mudiyettu is predominantly performed in the Bhagavathi/Bhadrakali temples of Central Kerala, especially in Thrissur, Ernakulam and Kottayam districts. This is equally identified as a community ritual, often performed after the summer paddy harvest, and illustrates the interconnectedness of community life, Nature, and worship in the agricultural life of the people. The central theme of Mudiyettu, the battle between Kali and the demon Darika and the eventual victory of Kali, symbolises the triumph of good over evil. The term ‘Mudiyettu’ refers to the act of wearing the Mudi (headgear), a significant ritual element.  Once worn, the Mudi is believed to transform the performer into the deity, inducing a trance-like state throughout the performance.

Legend
The demon Darika obtained a special boon from Lord Brahma, ensuring he could not be killed by any men, gods or demons. Additionally, if a drop of his blood touched the ground, 100 warriors would emerge from it. With this boon, he gained superiority over the world, and alongside his brother Danavendra began destroying everything. Distressed, the Devas sought help from Lord Shiva, through sage Narada. Lord Shiva's third eye opened, giving birth to the fiery and powerful Goddess Bhadrakali. Along the way, Bhadrakali enlisted Vetali, who was thirsty for blood, to prevent Darika's blood from falling on the ground. After a fierce battle, Bhadrakali killed Darika and Danavendra. 

This formidable mother Goddess is revered as the primary deity in ancient Kerala culture, who protects families, clans and villages. This legend forms the basis of the Mudiyettu act, showcasing both its dramatic and spiritual elements.

Performance
Before the evening performance, the ritual begins with the drawing of the powder design (Kalam) of Bhadrakali, known as Kalamezhuthu. Bhadrakali kalam is created using natural colours such as rice powder, charcoal, turmeric, leaf powder and limestone. The next step is Kotti Ariyippu, where the performance is announced by drumbeats. Artistes sing special verses and songs called Kalam Pattu near the Kalam along with rituals (Pooja). The Kalam pattu songs are in praise of Bhadrakali, detailing her features from feet to head (Padaadikesha Varnana). A community named ‘Kallatta Kuruppu’ are the traditional artistes of Kalamezhuthu and Kalam pattu. After the songs, the Kalam is wiped away, and the powder is distributed to devotees. The performance sequences, are held outdoors in front of a lit oil lamp. The act begins with the character's entry behind a hand-held curtain, which resembles other dance drama traditions of Kerala. 

The make-up of Kali's face is significant in Mudiyaettu. It portrays a fiery expression on black-painted face with white and red dots (symbolising chickenpox marks). The headgear is made of wood decorated with coconut fronds, and the costume consists of white and red pieces of cloth. Each character has unique make-up, crowns and weapons. The performances include rigorous events with fire torches, making it a dramatic spectacle, and evokes spirituality among the audience. The major characters besides Kali are Kooli (Kali's subordinate, who provides humours versus  and acts), Shiva, Narada, Darika, Danavendra and Koimbidar (Nandikeshwara, Shiva's vehicle, the ox). The music and rhythm patterns follow the indigenous musical style of Kerala known as Sopanam. The percussion instruments used for Mudiyettu are Uruttu chenda, Veekku chenda (different types of drums), Elathalam (cymbals), and Shankh (the conch). This tradition is passed down through generations in certain families of the Marar, Kurup or Nair communities in central Kerala. Annual performance venues of Mudiyettu are Bhagavathy Kavus (Bhagavathy temples) along the rivers in central Kerala - Chalakkudi river, Periyar and Moovattupuzhayar.