Tholpavakoothu

Tholpavakoothu is a traditional form of shadow art using leather puppets. It is an important part of the temple festivals in Kerala, especially in Palakkad. The performance spans seven to 21 days; the belief being that the Devi witnesses the performance.

Her presence is symbolized by suspending the drapes that adorned the idol the previous day in a corner of the space outside the shrine within full view of the puppet show stage.