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As per the Sangam literature, Karakattam   is known as ‘Kudakoothu’. This dance form has originated in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu as a ritual dance and gained popularity as Folk Dance. From Tamil Nadu this dance had spread to the neighbouring states like Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh. This dance form is more prominent in certain regions of Tamil Nadu like Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Salem. This dance is classified as Aatta Karagam and Sakthi Karagam. Aatta Karagam is usually performed in temples while Sakthi Karagam is performed on stages for entertainment. The goddess of health and rain “Mariamman” is worshipped in this dance. She is also the protector from the dreaded small pox and cholera. This ritual is performed in the month of August. The idol of Mariamman is carried in procession. The ritual pot filled with water and adorned with decorations several feet high is carried by the priest.

The dancers perform various acrobatic feats while following the procession accompanied by a number of musical instruments like 'Thavil', "Nadaswaram", "Muni", "Udukkai", "Pambai", etc. The dancers, attired in colourful costumes, carry decorated pots on their heads and dance in a lively manner to the rhythm of the music. The pots are adorned with a cone of flower arrangements with a paper parrot at its top. The parrot which rotates on the movements of the dancer is a delightful sight.  In this dance the body movement is tuned to music while balancing a decorated pot on the head. The musical instruments used include Tavil, Nadaswaram, Muni,Udukku & Pambai. It is an eye catching item with the performer carrying decorated and vertically piled vessels on their heads and donning colourful costumes dancing in a lively manner to the tune of Nagaswaram and the rhythm of Thavil.