Koodiyattom literally means “dancing together” is the earliest ritualistic classical dramatic art form of Kerala. It is traditionally enacted inside the temples in the Koothambalams (temple theatre of dance-drama, a structure built within the compound walls of a temple according to the rules of Natyashastra). The performance of Koodiyattom may last from a few days to a few weeks. Koodiyattom can claim an antiquity of 2000 years and references of this art form can be seen in the second century Chilapathikaram.

Traditionally, the actors have been members of the Chakyar caste. Nambiars, have been associated with this art form as players of the mizhavu (a pot-shaped, large drum). The Chakyars are the male actors and chief custodians of the art, while women of the Nambiar community (Nangyars) act the female characterizations and play the bell- metal cymbals. The Chakyar actor has almost full freedom to choose which legends associated with the character he wishes to emphasize and  thus he is the important interpreter of his role. Unlike in Kathakali, women traditionally perform the female characters. 

 In Koodiyattam, acting is based on a highly evolved mime language. Stylized facial and eye expressions, a language of mudras (hand gestures), a unique style of chanting together with elaborate headgears and the symbolic use of colour through the makeup together constitute the dance-drama. Anyhow slight variations are there in the costumes according to the characters. The makeup and costume of Koodiyattom seemed to be the forerunner of Kathakali. Restricted movements and intense emotions are specifications of this art form. Koodiyattom has the real enjoyment in nuance and hidden shades of meaning in metaphors and delicate implications.

The orchestration accompanied is mainly by the use of mizhavu played by the Nambiars who sit at the rear of the stage. To the left of the stage is a Nangyar singing the main verses of the drama and accompanying the Chakyar with small cymbals. Themes are based on mythology. Though the verses of Koodiyattom are of Sanskrit origin the actor’s independent interpretation of the text has also adapted to regional tastes. Further instruments are the itakka (an hour-glass shaped drum), the kuzhal (an oboe-like wind instrument) and the shankha (conch shell).

Koodiyattom, the performance of classical Sanskrit dramas is strictly related to Hindu Temples of Kerala. It is performed within strict religious and ritualistic boundaries. Koodiyattom is annually performed in a few temples such as Irinjalakkuda, Thrissur, Kottiyur etc.

Now days the training on Koodiyattom is opened not only to Chakyars and Nangyars but to all. Ammanur Chachu Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam, Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, Kerala Kalamandalam Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur, Margi, Thiruvananthapuram and International Centre for Koodiyattam, Tripunithura, Ernakulam are some centers imparting training on this ancient art form.