Krishnankutty Pulavar Memorial

The Krishnankutty Pulavar Memorial in Koonathara, near Shoranur in Palakkad district, is one of the key centres safeguarding Tholpavakoothu, Keralam's traditional shadow puppetry. The art uses intricately prepared leather figures animated against a backlit screen, traditionally in Koothumadams associated with Bhagavathi temples. The memorial honours the late Krishnankutty Pulavar, who played a major role in taking the tradition beyond its ritual setting and introducing it to wider audiences.

The centre continues the hereditary knowledge through performance, training and the craft of making the puppets themselves. For visitors, this is a rare opportunity to look beyond the finished stage presentation and understand the stories, music, craftsmanship and disciplined practice that sustain the form. Performance availability may depend on festival calendars or arranged programmes, so checking current schedules before travelling is useful.