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| Its a Poi Kuthira - Dummy Horse - Decorated - a common ingredient of the festivals in this region |
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| Sita Sitting in Royal pose |
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| Gopuram - Tower. Integral part of Lanka - Ravana's Kingdom |
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| Puppet representing the Sea - with its living creatures |
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| Ravana Sitting with Gopuram(tower) in front |
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| A Typical festival occasion - See the decorated Dummy Horses |
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| Screen Rolled down |
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| Screen Setting being done |
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| Ganapathy |
It was the festival season at Aryankavu Temple located at Kavalapara Shoranur, which is the one of the most famous events in the district of Palakkad. This is where Tholpavakoothu is performed for 21nights from the birth of Rama to the Pattabhishekam (the crowning ceremony). It was a nostalgic visit to the temple and the Koothumadam - the permanent theatre which has been here for hundreds of years. I also joined and recited a few verses. On the final 2days there will be Kuthira Kali (Dummy Horse play). It is the main attraction of the culmination of the festival.
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| The Koothumadam (Theatre) at Aryankavu |
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| Inside Lighted and the Shadow Characters visible |
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| Puppet of a Rakhasa taken from inside the house |
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| Kumbhakarna - one of the large size puppets |
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| The leaves represent forest |
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| Sitting Posture of Sita. Unpainted |
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| Its drama time. Story is Lanka Dhanam by Hanuman. |
