A form of ritual performance involving dance and theatre, padayani is performed in Devi temples in the districts of Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta in Kerala, generally in honour of the goddess Kali. The performers take on the role of kolams (characters represented through masks or effigies) representing animals, ritual objects and supernatural entities. Performers wear painted masks, headdresses and breast shields except in the region of Neelamperoor, where effigies are used to represent characters instead. Padayani performances typically take place over about twenty-eight days in the months of January and February.

The term ‘padayani’ is possibly derived from the Malayalam word padeni, which refers to military formations. Various legends relate the origins of these performances, generally tied to the Puranic Darikavadham legend, the slaying of the demon Darika by Kali. Following the slaying, the rampaging Kali is said to have made her way to Mount Kailash, Shiva’s abode. In order to calm the goddess, a procession of kolams were supposedly performed before her. A different version of this myth credits Skanda or Kartikeya, the son of Shiva and Parvati, with appeasing Kali by drawing humorous drawings (also known as kolams) on the ground. Both the kolam characters and the drawings figures are believed to be reflected in the elaborate masks and headdresses that characterise padayani performances. Another possible origin for padayani is from the ritualistic dance and exorcism called Kolam Thullal, performed by shamans from the Ganaka community in north Kerala.

Padayani performances typically draw participation from various caste groups within a village. The performances involve the use of a tappu (percussion instrument), accompanied by devotional songs in Malayalam. The dances involve either group or solo performances, and are highly energetic. Performers often collapse towards the end of their routines.