Poothanumthirayum

Poothanumthirayum, a ritual offering to Goddess Kali, is performed in many places of Southern Malabar. It is conducted between November and May every year. In this ritual, a troupe of dancers in the costume of Kali (the thira) and the accompanying spirits (the poothams) dance together. The thira wear masks while the spirits don semi-circular wooden crowns. The dance is performed from house to house and on the premises of shrines.