A form of traditional puppetry from Kerala, Tolpava Koothu-originating in the Bhagavati temples of Palghat district-presents the Ramayana story as told by Kambar, the Tamil epic poet, in the kamba Ramayana. In 21 pars, over 21 evenings, the story is enacted in koothu-madmas or temple theatres before eager local audience. Part ritual, part instruction, and a form of entertainment inseparable from rural life in Kerala, Tolpava Koothu is an art demanding knowledge ...
