Goddess Bhadrakali worship is the foundation of many ritual art forms in Kerala, those reflect the ancient worship culture. Paana, a ritual art that uniquely combines music, dance, and percussion, is predominantly practiced in Bhagavathy temples in Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram. It is a popular annual temple ritual in regions such as Ponnani, Ernadu, Kochi, Thrissur, and Palakkad. The term ‘Paana’ signifies music (Paattu), and has been used in Kerala's old literature, particularly in devotional poetry like ‘Jnana Paana’ by Poonthanam and ‘Puthan Pana,’ a Malayalam biblical poem by Saint Earnest.

Paana, also known as Paanakali (Paana dance) or Pallippaana (Paana in a worship center/temple). This ritual art form is dedicated to propitiating the goddess Bhadrakali, with the battle story between Bhadrakali and the demon Darika as its foundation. Paana rituals are performed as both single-day events and three-day festivals, typically held between November and April. 

Ritual Sequence of Paana
The Paana ritual begins with the Koorayidal- tying a rectangular-shaped red cloth stretched over four pillars, on the previous day or a few days before. Setting up of a canopy (pandal) near the goddess's shrine is a major preparation before the rituals. This canopy is supported by 64 posts made from the Paala tree (Alstonia scholaris) and decorated with tender palm fronds. A Paala tree stump is ceremonially brought to the site and planted. In the centre of this setup, a non-figurative kalam (powder drawing) is created using coloured powders. Under the tree stump, a ceremonial sword is placed on a red silk cloth that signifies the goddess's presence. The priest then performs rituals in front of the kalam.

The performance part comprises Paattu- rendering of songs and verses, Kottu- special rhythmic patterns played on the Chenda and Para, accompanied by Elathalam, and Thullal- special footwork and movements by the boys and men performers. The central figure in the ritual is the oracle (Komaram/Velichapadu), who enters a trance after a series of rites and moves around the kalam and the canopy and finally removes palm frond decorations of the canopy and the wipes out the Kalam. The rhythmic beats build to a crescendo, synchronise with the oracle's steps, who performs for about three hours at night. The final rituals accompany with extensive rhythmic performances involving Chenda, Maddalam, Elathalam, Kombu, and Kuzhal. The conclusion of Paana is celebrated with fireworks, and the ritual is believed to ensure the goddess's protection over the village and its people.