Kathakali is a well-known Indian classical
dance-drama from Kerala. Actors wear
colourful makeup, elaborate costume and
perform with elaborate gestures. Classical
singers and drummers provide the
background music.Japanese Kabuki also has a tradition of actors
wearing elaborate costume, colourful make-
up and dancing with elaborate gestures. The
musicians sitting on the side provide
background singing and instrumental music,
especially the drums. One more common
point between them is that both these dances
are performed only by men.
Through this joint issue stamp of 2002, the
cultural and artistic similarities between
Kathakali and Kabuki are highlighted.