"Kathakali is a story, a dancing tale woven in a classical format,based on stories of Hindu mythology. It is a dance that brings out deft movements, highly evolved gestures, strenuous exercise and practice, colourful elaborate skirt-like costumes, and make-up that involves extensive face-painting. The use of facial make up in Kathakali seems like a mask painted in various bright colours. In fact Kathakali’s make-up painting is so unique, that each colour attributes different qualities, good and bad. Green symbolizes virtues, piousness and nobility, Green and red symbolize evil but a person of royal and high birth, while red make up with a red beard portrays evil. Women characters are made up with a yellow face-paint. The make-up, is generally made with rice paste and lime, mixed together." Source - Magster #kathakali #kalaripayattu #kerala #incredibleindia #india #travelphotography #streetsofindia #storiesofindia #portrait #indiantradition #indiandance #condenast #natgeoyourshot