The dynamic visuals of traditionally dressed ritual folk characters moving along the village streets, to the accompaniment of the rhythmic beats of percussion instruments, are common sights in Kerala villages during the festive season. Poothan Thira is one such ritual art, popular in the South Malabar and Valluvanad regions (areas of the Palakkad, Malappuram, and Thrissur districts of Kerala). The village deity, often Bhagavathy, is regarded as the saviour of the villagers, and the festivals - such as Pooram or Vela - are the grand celebrations for the entire village. Bhagavathy is often worshiped as Bhadrakali - the fiery form of Goddess. Her supporters, the Bhoothaganas (spirit subordinates of Shiva and Bhagavathy), are locally called Pootham or Poothan. Poothan Thira signifies the visit of Bhagavathy and Poothan to the village and households to remove all demons and negativity, thereby blessing the people.

Tradition and Myth
Poothan Thira performances are commonly held from Dhanu to Medam according to the Malayalam calendar, which spans from December to May. These performances are usually connected with the annual temple festivals called Pooram or Vela. There are several mythical concepts behind this tradition. One is connected to the story of Kannaki, a mythical character from the Sangam literature of ancient Tamilakam (encompassing Kerala and Tamil Nadu). Poothan is believed to be the watchman and subordinate of Kannaki. According to the myth, a goldsmith crafted an anklet for Kannaki in gold, but attempted to cheat her by making a similar one using brass. When Kannaki discovered the deception, she became furious and sought to destroy the goldsmith, with Poothan accompanying her in anger. This anger of Poothan is depicted in Poothan's mask, with its protruding tongue and large, glaring eyes. The visit of Kannaki/Bhagavathy with Poothan to the village symbolises the elimination of all demons and negative spirits from the community.

Another story associated with Poothan comes from a popular poem written by the Malayalam poet Edasseri Govindan Nair. The poem, titled Poothapattu, narrates the story of Poothan who adores a little boy named Unni, and steals him from his mother. Seeing the love and sacrifices of Unni's mother, who was willing to give whatever she has, even her own eyes, to get her son back, Poothan feels remorse and returns the boy. However, he asks for permission to visit Unni every year. This annual visit of Poothan to each home signifies his continued affection for the children and his blessing of every household.

Performance
Poothan Thira is not a staged performance. Performers dress up as Thira the Goddess, and Poothan the spirit subordinate of Bhagavathy, and move around the village. They walk through the streets, visit houses, and perform in courtyards. Poothan Thira performances also take place in temple premises on special festival days or a few days before the main festival as a curtain raiser. The performers are often given rice or money by the householders. The Mannan community traditionally performs this ritual. Costumes and percussion instruments are significant in Poothan Thira. The headgear (Mudi) of Poothan is semi-circular and made of light wood. The face mask has a fiery look, with the tongue sticking out and eyes wide and staring. Various dyes are used to decorate the Mudi, which also features serpent hood shapes, golden circles, and peacock feathers. Poothan wears traditional ornaments such as karivala-kaivala (black bangles), tholvala (bangles on the upper arm and shoulders), marthali (chest ornament) and aramani (waist belts with lots of bells that make a clinking sound while walking). The attire includes white cotton cloth with dark blue and red borders. Thira is characterized by a semi-circular headgear (Mudi) with a carving of the face of the fiery Bhadrakali.  Long pieces cloth extending from the Mudi, are held by the Thira, in order to keep it firmly in place, while walking and dancing. The face and body of the Thira performer are painted with rice flour-and-turmeric paste, and they wear flower garlands. The instruments used include drums and the Thudi (a smaller drum). The sound of the Thudi and the waist bells of Poothan and Thira announce their approach. Thira is also performed separately in various temples and villages, representing the Goddess Bhagavathy as part of temple festivals.