As India celebrates #Diwali, the festival of lights, here's a look at one (of many) Indian ritual/folk art forms that is totally dependent on light. 'Thol-pava-koothu' is a ritual art form performed in or near Goddess temples in and around #Palakkad district (Central Kerala). Oil is filled in coconuts and then lit up. 'Thol' means leather, 'Pava' means puppet and 'Koothu' means play. Tholpavakoothu is thus the staging of plays with leather puppets. Modern versions last a few hours, however elaborate ritualistic versions can last up to 42 days! The light from these art forms though are on the verge of getting extinguished, forever, unless you and me pitch in. This is true of the hundreds of art forms across India. How about visiting or inviting one of these performers for your next Company event or at your residential associations upcoming New Year party or maybe even your, or a close ones, wedding party. It can have a huge impact. Think about it. You can also enquire locally and visit these artistes when on a holiday. Let's do whatever little we can while its still possible. Happy Diwali to all of you and to your loved ones. :-) #tholpavakoothu #ritualarts #folkarts #soundsofmalabar #corporateevents #weddingideas #indianrituals #indianfolkart #specialinteresttours #diwalispecial #deepavali https://www.instagram.com/p/BpzTruanoIc/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=x5jhtnvobg4t
