Nool Pavakoothu is a stringed puppet play native to
Kerala. These plays are generally performed during temple festivals. These puppets remain under the care and custody of a royal family. The puppeteers belong to the
Nair community.
The puppets are categorized into two sets. One set comprises of puppets depicting any folk tales, while the other is used for presenting scenes from mythologies and epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The puppets are 2 to 2.5 feet in height. They are made of wood adorned with artistic carvings and multicolored paintings. Joints are provided at the neck, hands, legs and the waist for easy movement.
The opening scene of the puppetry show is filled with fun and humor. The female character is first introduced. She dances to some tunes and plays with some balls. She throws the balls and then catches them. This is followed by a scene involving two clowns named Koru and Unnaikan, where Koru narrates his adventures and misadventures during a hunting trip. These comic performances are held to attract a large crowd for the show.
