It is mainly seen in areas such as Kadammanitta, Kottangal, Othara and Kunnamthanam. The ritualistic dance was supposedly performed by Lord Shiva and other gods to appease Goddess Durga whose fury could not be satiated after the killing of Darika, a demon. Padayani is traditionally enacted over two weeks but as with many rituals in recent times, it has been shortened to be performed in a day. The villagers in these regions come together to collect areca nut palms in order to prepare kolam or masks which are decorated to depict various characters.
Kolam Thullal is an important part of Padayani as they are seen as representations of divine energies. The masks have fiery colours such as red and black to show ferocity. Thappu is the main instrument for Kolam Thullal, accompanied by the chenda and kaimani. Popular kolams include Ganapathi Kolam, Yakshi Kolam, Pakshi Kolam, Maadan Kolam, Kaalan Kolam, Marutha Kolam, Pishachu Kolam, Bhairavi Kolam, Gandharvan Kolam and Mukilan Kolam. The performers undergo rigorous physical training with rituals meant to provide a spiritual cleansing of sorts.
