Kuthiyottam, a popular ritual in south
Kerala, is mainly conducted in Devi temples. This 1200-year-old ritual is performed by young boys. The performers observe certain austerities and are led by a man who teaches them the rituals. On the day of Kuthiyottam the performers, with their bodies wound with silver wire, are taken on a procession accompanied by temple orchestra and brightly colored tinselled parasols.
