Tholpava koothu, the unique shadow puppet theatre form of Kerala, South India, is preserved as a family tradition by the Pulavars.
It is an ancient peculiar ritualistic art form dedicated to Bhagavati, worshiped by the people of Kerala as the Mother Goddess.
As a ritualistic art form, Tolpava Koothu is performed during the months of Jan... uary to May at the especially constructed theatre called Koothu Madam in front of the Bhagavati temple.
It is believed to have originated in the ninth century AD and uses Kamba Ramayana as its basic text.+ More
