Season 1, Episode 7, Tholpavakoothu-Kerala’s Shadow Puppetry
From KINKINI CHEPPU - Tales & Tidbits from Kerala with SHUBHA DAS by Shubha Das
March 31, 2026 · 11 min
About this episode
This episode explores Kerala's traditional shadow puppetry art form, Tholpavakoothu, through its myths and living legacy.
In this episode of Kinkini Cheppu, we explore the story of Tholpavakoothu, Kerala’s traditional shadow puppetry art form, through the lens of this year’s World Storytelling Day theme - Light in the Dark. At the heart of this episode are two powerful narratives: The myth of Darika and Bhadrakali , which marks the origin of Tholpavakoothu The story of Kavalappara Moopil Nair , who helped root this art form in Kerala along the banks of the Bharathapuzha We also briefly touch upon the living legacy of this art form through artists like Rahul Pulavar and Padmashri Ramachandra Pulavar. Tholpavakoothu is more than an art form…where stories are not just told, but illuminated. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Audible Plug in your earphones, grab a cup of chaya, and let’s take a trip home every fortnight. And if a story tugs at your heart, or remind you of anything or anybody, write to me at kinkinicheppuwithshubha@gmail.com - your story might just find its way into an episode! This season is incubated at Podcasting Bootcamp - Cohort 2 by Your Story Bag.
Topics covered
- Tholpavakoothu
- shadow puppetry
- Kerala
- mythology
- storytelling
Keywords
- World Storytelling Day
- Darika
- Bhadrakali
- Kavalappara Moopil Nair
- Rahul Pulavar
- Padmashri Ramachandra Pulavar
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Audible, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Books & works: Light in the Dark
Places: Kerala, Bharathapuzha
More episodes of KINKINI CHEPPU - Tales & Tidbits from Kerala with SHUBHA DAS
- Season 1, Episode 6, The Story of Attukal Pongala · March 10, 2026 · 18 min
- Season 1, Episode 5, The Pulluvan & the Sacred Grove · February 25, 2026 · 14 min
- Season 1, Episode 4, The Love Legend of the Idukki Arch Dam · February 12, 2026 · 13 min
- Season 1 , Episode 3 , The Story of Theruvath Palli · January 28, 2026 · 10 min
- Season 1 , Episode 2 , The Chain & The Churam · January 15, 2026 · 11 min
- Kinkini Cheppu || Trailer || Season 1, Episode 2 · January 13, 2026 · 3 min
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