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Tholpavakoothu is a traditional form of shadow puppetry that originated in Kerala. It is performed using leather puppets that are manipulated behind a white screen with the help of light sources. The puppets are intricately designed and painted with natural colors. They depict scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana, which tells the story of Lord Rama’s struggle to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.
Tholpavakoothu Puppetry: A Ritualistic Art
Tholpavakoothu is not just a form of entertainment, but also a ritual art that is performed in temples dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, a fierce manifestation of Goddess Parvati. The puppeteers belong to a community called Pulavar, which means learned men. They are well-versed in Sanskrit, Malayalam, and Tamil languages, as well as in music, astrology, and medicine. They inherit the art from their ancestors and pass it on to their descendants.
The Tholpavakoothu Kerala Puppetry School is a unique institution that aims to preserve and promote this ancient art form. It was established in 2006 by Mr. K.K. Ramachandra Pulavar, a seventh-generation puppeteer and a recipient of several national and international awards. The school is located in Koonathara, a village in the Palakkad district of Kerala. It offers courses in puppet making, puppet manipulation, music, narration, and stage management. The school also organizes workshops, exhibitions, and performances for students, researchers, and tourists.
The Tholpavakoothu Kerala Puppetry School offers visitors a chance to experience the history and growth of Tholpavakoothu through its museum, which houses a unique and antique collection of puppets. In addition, the school has a library stocked with books and manuscripts on puppetry and related topics. Dedicated teachers and students work together at the school to keep the art of puppetry alive and relevant. The school has received recognition and support from various government and non-government organizations, such as the Ministry of Culture, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and Kerala Folklore Academy.
The Tholpavakoothu Kerala Puppetry School is an excellent example of how education and awareness can help to preserve and promote traditional art forms. It also showcases the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Kerala and India.
