The third performance in SPIC MACAY IIT Palakkad chapter was a lecture-demonstration by the
famous puppet artist Shri. Rajeev Pulavar and his fellow puppeteers.
Shri. Rajeev Pulavar specializes in the art of Tholpavakoothu, the traditional shadow-puppet art of
Kerala. Earlier the art used to be practiced only in Bhagavati temples to depict various mythological
stories. It is the Pulavars who spread this art across the whole country and globe, proving the
richness of Indian culture.

As a custom it all started in the evening with the lighting of lamp and an introduction of the artists by
our fellow volunteers followed by the lecture-demonstration.
Prior to the performance, Shri. Rajeev showed various types of puppets and familiarized the
audience with this art called Tholpavakoothu. For the performance he chose to depict various events
of Ramayana from Lord Ram going to exile to the death of Ravana. It was all beautiful shadows of
finely carved leather puppets moving in the light of coconut oil lamps. The chants and dialogues
were narrated out in Hindi. It was truly a performance worth watching and the audience enjoyed it.
The moments of seriousness were often followed by entertaining and hilarious events, which added
to the joy and satisfaction of the audience.
After the performance was over, the students and the teachers were given an opportunity to have a
look at the puppets and the setup.
The evening ended with the honoring the artists with mementos by the chief guest for the occasion,
our dean (student affairs), Prof. K.V.G. Kutty. It truly was an experience of a lifetime which every
student and every man present there will cherish for life.