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| Poothan Thira |
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Poothanum and Thira is a ritualistic art form found in north Kerala. It is usually performed once or twice a year to cleanse the entire village off evil spirits. By this art form tribal class people are expressing their gratitude to the goddess in the harvest season. The Poothan and the Thira with their concomitant bells and anklets are synonymous with serene & unsullied villages that have long ceased to be a reality in Kerala. In earlier times Thira , the head gear, is made out of the root of Jack Fruit tree.
The whole carvings are done with a pen knife.
Thira is the symbol of Goddess Kali where as Poothan is the symbolic representation of the lieutenant of Lord Shiva (Spirit). A typical Poothan-Thira performance is essentially spontaneous, comprising mostly shouts and wild gestures. The players are usually attired in bright, tightly woven costumes embellished with gold-coloured trinkets. Their larger-than life headdresses with peacock features, long tresses and imposing masks with protruding tongues and eyes are sure to leave a lasting impression even on the uninitiated.
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