Tholpavakoothu
Tholpavakoothu or shadow puppetry is originated in temples in the South Malabar and Palakkad regions of Kerala. When leather puppets pulled by strings are made to move and dance behind a special curtain, they appear as shadows.
It takes stories from the epic Ramayana and is enacted in 21 parts. During the course of the rendition, the performers provide live explanations and interpretations of the verses
Where to Watch
There are several Tholpavakoothu centres in Kerala, one such is:
Krishnankutty Pulavar Memorial Tholpava Koothu and Puppet Centre
K.K. Ramachandra Pulavar,
P.O. Koonathara,
Shoranur, Palakkad - 679523.
Ph: +91 466 2227226
Mob: 9846534998
Email: puppetry@kerala-india.org
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The tradition of classical arts in Kerala dates back to a thousand years. Kerala has a rich repertoire of folk performing arts, folk songs and folk drama reflecting man's overpowering rapport with nature and his constant desire for communication with the unknown.
Tholpavakoothu, Shadow Puppetry, Ritualistic art form, Enchanting Kerala, Newsletter, Kerala Tourism
Tholpavakoothu or shadow puppetry using leather puppets is a ritual art popular in the northern districts of Kerala, viz. Palakkad and Malappuram. The lead puppeteer is called pulavar.
