Ninabali is a ritualistic performing art form popular in Kannur, Kozhikode districts of northern Kerala, India.
This art form, which is performed in homes as part of Hinuist exorcism ceremonies, depicts the battle between Bhadrakali and the asura Darika.
[1] This art form, which is performed in homes as part of Hinuist exorcism ceremonies, depicts the battle between Hindu goddess Bhadrakali and the asura Darika.
Its specialty is the song sung by the Malaya women in the background of traditional instruments like chenda, aripara and elathalam.
At this time popcorn starts to be applied on Darikan's body smeared with Ninam (Red liquid made by mixing turmeric and lime, which represents blood).
[1] In the background music of Chenda, holding the curtain in front of him and with people on both sides, Darikan enters the scene with a shout.
Darikan's monstrous appearance in the dim light of the nilavilakku will strike fear into the onlookers.
[1] As soon as the sound of the chenda and elathalam stops, Darikan enters the ninabali area with special movements after changing the curtain.
[1] Again the instrument music starts and when it reaches its peak, Darikan rushes through the front door to the house where the ceremony is being held, and returns angrily to the scene and after making some steps and mudras, begins the puja again.
Searching for the Asura in all directions, Kali finally finds Darika and starts the battle again.