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Velakali
is a spectacular martial dance performed in a few temples of Southern
Kerala by Nair warriors holding wooden swords and shields.
The dancers, clad in traditional clothes and colourful headgear of
medieval Nair soldiers, engage in vigorous movements and dexterous sword
play, to the accompaniment of an orchestra comprising 'Maddalam',
'Ilathalam',
'Kombu' and 'Kuzhal'.
Velakali originated in Ambalappuzha where Mathoor Panicker, a chief of
the Chempakasserri army, promoted it to boost the martial spirit of the
people. Velakali is a regular feature at the Ambalappuzha
Sri Krishna Temple
festival in Alappuzha district.