SPICMACAY Program - Tholpaavakoothu

Tholpavakoothu is a form of shadow puppetry that is practised in Kerala, India. It is performed using leather puppets as a ritual dedicated to Bhadrakali. This art form is especially popular in the Palakkad, Thrissur and Malappuram districts of Kerala. Each puppet is of an average height of 80 cms and is cut out in different postures. The puppets are arranged behind a long white curtain stretched across the Koothumadom. Behind this, on a split bamboo pole, is placed a row of wick lamps burning inside coconut halves. The light from these lamps cast shadows of the puppets on the curtain.