Poothan Thira - A Ritual Art Form

Popular in the South Malabar region of Kerala in India, Poothan and Thira is a ritual performed during temple festivals. Accompanied by percussionists, the artistes performing this ritual would have costumes and make-up to represent Poothan and Thira. While Poothan is believed to be Lord Shiva's lieutenant, Thira represents Goddess Kali.

The video here shows dancers in the costume of Thira during the Machattu Mamangam, the annual festival that takes place at the Thiruvanikkavu temple in Vadakkancherry, Thrissur district of Kerala, India.

People performing Poothan and Thira usually shout along with wild gestures to the musical ensemble of drums and horns. They wear bright, red coloured costumes, embellished with gold-coloured trinkets that rattle when the dancers move.

The epic Malayalam poem Poothappattu by Edasseri Govindan Nair is based on this Poothan and Thira tradition.

How to reach:
Nearest railway station: Thrissur, about 21 km.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 58 km from Thrissur.