Padayani

thumb|Alapra Thacharickal Padayani 64 Pala Bhirairavikolam thumb|A masked Padayani dancer at the Kottangal [[Devi Temple]] Padayani, also known Padeni (from the Malayalam word for military formations), is a traditional folk dance and a ritual art from the central portion of the Indian state of Kerala. A ceremonial dance involving masks, it is an ancient ritual performed in Bhagavati temples. The dance is performed in honor of Bhadrakaali. Meaning, a 'row of warriors', Padayani is an art form that blends all music, dance, theatre, satire, facial masks, and paintings. It is part of worship of Bhadrakali and is staged in temples dedicated to the goddess from mid-December to mid-May. Padayani is unique to central Travancore, comprising the Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts of Kerala. It is also performed in adjoining regions of Kollam, Alappuzha districts.

It is sometimes interpreted as preserving elements of earlier regional worship traditions that later became integrated into broader Hindu practices. Padayani is similar to the Theyyam ritual seen in northern Kerala. The percussion instruments used in Patayani are patayani thappu, chenda, para and kumbham.