Musical instruments like maddalam, elathalam and chengila lend flavor to the performance. Krishnanattam is an important dance performed in the Guruvayoor temple. Folk ritual dance of devotees of Lord Krishna, who carry pots on the head. A ritual exclusive to Devi temples of South Kerala. A group dance with songs including those in praise of goddess Durga and other deities, padapattu or war songs and kalaripattu or martial songs.
Instruments used are mainly percussions, ganjira, bells and chaplankatta.
Faces decorated with paints and red curtains are used as partitions on the stage, to enhance the frightening effect. Royal families, principalities and chieftains from all over Kerala used to participate in this great cultural event which was held on the grounds of the Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple at Ponnani in the present day Malappuram district. This beautiful dance is usually performed on specially put up stages in connection with temple festivals. The costume is the traditional white mundu and melmundu of Kerala. This colorful ritual art is symbolic of the victory march of goddess Kali after she defeated the demon Darika.