Kalari
കളരി
Training hall of kalaripayattu in Kerala, after which the art is named. A traditional kalari is sunk into the ground and has a shrine.
Quick Facts
Term typePlace and space
LanguageMalayalam
Formnoun
Pronunciation[kah-lah-ree]
Alternative Namestraining hall of kalaripayattu
Readings and romanizations
Other spellingkaḷari
Definition
Kalari (കളരി) is a kalaripayattu training hall. The art's name literally means “training in the kalari”. The traditional northern kalari, kuzhi kalari, is a rectangular pit sunk into the ground and partly roofed, cool inside, with a protected floor of packed clay. In a corner stands the poothara shrine with the school's deities and ancestors. On entry, practitioners touch the ground and forehead as a sign of respect. The kalari also serves for traditional healing.