The Kanyarkali (also known as Desathukali) are fast moving, militant dances attuned to rhythmic devotional folk songs and asuravadyas. They are said to originate from the pursuit of martial arts when the region was under threat of attack from nearby Konganadu. Kannyarkali arose when dance and comedy were added to the martial training sessions. The dances may be performed in the ritualistic Vattakkali style, or the more relaxed Porattu style.