Kaliyal Attam is a Tamil folk dance using sticks and intricate movements.Kaliyal attam is an art form that integrates both the dance movements and song. It is closely associated with the martial arts. It is also called as Kaladi, kalal,kaliyal etc.Earlier, The place where the kaliyal performance takes place was called as kalari or illangam. They will place an Agal vilaku(lamp) in the centre and perform the dance in a circle.The dancers wear ankle-bells and sometimes they would add ankle-bells to their sticks.

It resembles the dance form performed by the srilankan Tamil people called as Vasanthan Attam. The word ‘Kali’ means stick is used as the prince object by the dancers. The players would dance according to the sound produced from the striking sticks with unique steps, twisting and turning. They would dance making a single circle or double circles. Movements of their bodies and striking would be in accordance with the ‘Thalas’.Sticks used in the play are very short and thick. Its greatness can be found in the play and not in the sticks.