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A
mask dance, Kummattikkali is popular in some of the northern districts of
Kerala. The dancers, in painted wooden masks and sporting springs of
leaves and grass, go dancing from house to house. A popular masked
character is 'Thulla' or witch; the others being various Hindu gods and
goddesses.
The songs deal with various devotional themes and are accompanied by a
bow like instrument called 'Ona Villu'. No formal training is required and
often the onlookers join in the dance.