Makeup patterns and costumes of Koodiyattam are believed to be the forerunners of the Kathakali costume. Krishnanattam as the name suggests, originated as a votive offering to Sree Krishna. This group performance, based on the Sanskrit text Krishna Geetha, is presented across eight nights. The charm of this classical art form is in the synchronised graceful movements of the entire group. The costume and makeup of Krishnanattam bear traces of resemblance to Kathakali and folk arts like Thiyattam, Mudiyettu and Theyyam.
Musical instruments used are maddalam, elathalam and chengila.
Krishnanattam is most commonly performed in the Guruvayoor temple. The 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. The hair is gathered and put up at the side of the head and adorned with jasmine, in the traditional style. However, the narration is through prose and song sequences.