Traditional Puppet Plays

Tholpavakoothu is a traditional puppet play of India that originated in the state of Kerala.

The puppets used in Tholpavakoothu are made of leather, which is treated with oil and then painted with natural colors.

The main theme of Tholpavakoothu plays is mythological stories, particularly from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

The puppets in Tholpavakoothu are manipulated by strings, which are attached to the head, hands, and feet of the puppets.

The traditional musical instrument used to accompany Tholpavakoothu performances is the mridangam, a double-headed drum.

Oggu Katha is a traditional puppet play of Andhra Pradesh that uses leather puppets.

The main theme of Oggu Katha plays is mythological stories, particularly from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

The puppets in Oggu Katha are manipulated by rods, which are attached to the head, hands, and feet of the puppets.

The traditional musical instrument used to accompany Oggu Katha performances is the mridangam, a double-headed drum.

Yakshagana is a traditional puppet play of Karnataka that uses colorful puppets and elaborate costumes.

The main theme of Yakshagana plays is mythological stories, particularly from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

The puppets in Yakshagana are manipulated by hand, with the puppeteers wearing gloves to protect their hands.

The traditional musical instrument used to accompany Yakshagana performances is the mridangam, a double-headed drum.

Bommalattam is a traditional puppet play of Tamil Nadu that uses leather puppets.

The main theme of Bommalattam plays is mythological stories, particularly from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.