KTM showcases initiative to leverage Tholpavakoothu as medium to make tourism more immersive

Kochi / September 26, 2026

KOCHI, Sept 26:  Tholpavakoothu, the traditional shadow puppetry of Keralam, is looking beyond its conventional space to emerge as a storytelling medium for tourism, taking visitors through the cultural landscapes and unexplored destinations of the state.

A dedicated stall, ‘Shadow Puppetry,’at the 13th Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) in Willingdon Island has brought the art form closer to visitors, offering them an opportunity to learn about its history, traditional puppets and the practices associated with its performances.

The stall is set up by a family of artists from Valluvanad, where the art form has traditionally been practised.

" We have setup this stall to generate awareness and explore the potential of the medium  to make cultural tourism more immersive," said Vipin Viswanatha Pulavar, the head of the family who runs ‘Tholpavakoothu Sangam” at Shoranur in Palakkad district.

Besides his wife Ramya Devi, the  stall is manned by his 6-year-old daughter, Mahalaxmi , who started performing tholapavakooth at the age of three by joining her father.

 Traditionally performed as part of temple festivals in Palakkad, Thrissur and Malappuram districts, the art form has over the years moved from temple premises to open spaces.

“Tholpavakoothu is a storytelling art form. We want to use it to introduce visitors to Valluvanad and the many experiences and places that exist there,”Pulavar said.

“When it becomes a storytelling medium, that will bring opportunities for more young people and the new generation to find work through the art,” he said.

“Coming to KTM  has been a wonderful experience. We got an opportunity to meet and interact with people from different places and introduce our art form to them ,” he added.

ENDS
 

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