Poothamkali

Poothamkali

Poothamkali

Poothamkali

Poothamkali is a folk art performed in the Bhagavathi temples of Mlappuram district in Kerala.Pootham is a character who accompanied Durga in her combat with Darika Asura.The performers ,usually three in number,undergo a week of austerity before presentation.Colorful and intricately designed masks carved out of the pala and murukku tress are the highlights of the attire.The fifteen minute performance starts slowly and works up to a frenzy towards the end.The thudi provides rhythm to the dance which is usually rendered at night.