Several art practices have originated not solely for entertainment or worship, but to promote military activities and martial skills, aiming to embed these practices in the younger generation. Travancore, or South Kerala, takes great pride in the martial art practice of Velakali. The visual of a Velakali performer has become an iconic symbol of the rich and strong warrior tradition of Travancore. Velakali, performed by Nair men (the traditional warrior community), signifies the Nair army of Travancore. Although this art form is performed as part of temple festivals, it is deeply rooted in the martial practice of Kerala - Kalaripayattu. The arrangement of a large group of performers on the open ground with swords and decorated shields, executing precise movements, is a true showcase of how warriors train their bodies and maintain discipline on the battlefield. Despite its martial origins, Velakali is a visual delight and a rhythmic spectacle.

Origin and Tradition
Velakali originated in the local kingdom of Chempakasseri, now known as the Ambalapuzha region of Alappuzha district. The chief of the Chempakasseri army, Mathur Paniker, is believed to have designed this artistic practice to foster interest in martial traditions among young boys and men. Chempakasseri became part of Travancore during the reign of King Marthanda Varma in the 16th century AD. Marthanda Varma and the royal Travancore had a strong Nair army, which led to Velakali gaining widespread acceptance across different parts of Travancore.

Velakali is performed as part of temple festivals. The major venues are Sree Krishna Swamy Temple in Ambalapuzha and Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. During the Painkuni festival, of Padmanabhaswamy Temple, held in April/May, 101 artistes perform Velakali. The tradition of Velakali is linked to the legendary Mahabharata battle, 9the battle between Cousins Kauravas and Pandavas) with the performers representing the 101 Kaurava army. The ‘vela ottam’ part of the presentation signifies running away of Kauravas, who lost the battle over Pandavas, symbolising victory of justice over evil. Huge figures of Pandava kings are displayed at the performance venue, which is a major attraction of Painkuni festival. Research suggests that Velakali also represents historical battles in the region, influenced by local rituals and traditions in terms of costume, choreography and rhythmic patterns. 

Performance
In Velakali, men dress in warrior attire, wearing a white mundu (long cotton cloth) in such a way to facilitate leg movements and steps, along with a red cloth tightly worn around the waist known as kacha. Headgears are a significant aspect of Velakali attire, resembling the Nair warrior. Performers also wear garlands with golden beads that cover their bare chests. A major part of the performance is the skilful display of swordplay with long canes or bare swords and shields. 

The performance begins with the deity being taken out in a procession on an elephant, known as Thirumumbil Vela, meaning ‘in front of the deity.’ When the performance occurs near the temple pond, it is called Kulathilvela, meaning ‘play at the pond.’ Younger performers line up in front, just behind a single row of senior lead performers. Older ones are spread at the back, and a team with flags at the rearmost line, chanting words corresponding to the dance steps in progress. In some regions, performers with grotesque masks called Velamudikkaars add humorous elements to the performance. The dance is accompanied by five instruments: Maddalam, Tavil, Elathalam, Kombu, and Kuzhal. The steps and movements are solely based on rhythmic patterns.