THOLPAVAKOOTHU

Folkland – International Centre for Folklore and Culture, Payyanur, with CSR support from Dorf Ketal Chemicals India, organized a Tholpavakoothu Heritage Awareness Programme and Live Performance at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur, on 29 June 2026. The programme aimed to introduce students to Tholpavakoothu, Kerala's traditional shadow puppetry, and create awareness about the importance of preserving India's rich intangible cultural heritage. Students were also introduced to hand glove puppetry, enabling them to understand the diversity of traditional puppetry arts. The awareness session and live demonstration were conducted by Shri Vipin Viswanath Pulavar, recipient of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, along with the Koonathara Tholpavakoothu Troupe. The artists explained the history, craftsmanship, performance techniques, and cultural significance of Tholpavakoothu, followed by an interactive session with the students.