Kaikottikkali is a classical play. Deep clapping of palms in melody with articulated and measured steps and jumps in tune with the singing by the players themselves constitute the play. Mostly ladies, but gents too perform in some parts of Malabar region.
 
Also known as thiruvathirakali, it is an extremely popular and  graceful group-dance of the malayali women typically performed during festive seasons like Onam. It involves normally  8-10 dancers. It is a slow dance form famous for the sensuous body movements to convey the lasya emotion.  Dressed in Kerala style with mandu and neriyathu, the women matches their steps to the notes of the melodious Thiruvathira songs that depict scenes from Hindu mythology.

The dancers move in circles around a huge lighted traditional brass oil lamp  in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions. At every step they bend sideways, and bring together their arms to clap. The leading performer  sing the first line of the song as the other members repeat it in chorus.

Thiruvathirakali is performed  by women to attain marital bliss and night long dance performances are held during the Thiruvathira festival that falls in the month of December. Women irrespective of  age soak up in the spirit and dance with elegance and ease.  If interested, you can also participate in this enchanting dance form to get a feel of the culture and traditions of Kerala.