Tolu Bommalatta -Shadow Puppet Theatre Traditions of India

Domain:Performing arts

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There are six shadow puppet theatre traditions across different regions in India, which are locally known as: Chamadyacha Bahulya in Maharashtra, Tolu Bommalatta in Andhra Pradesh, Togalu Gombeyatta in Karnataka, Tolu Bommalatta in Tamil Nadu, Tolpava Kuthu in Kerala and Ravanchhaya in Orissa. In Andhra Pradesh it is practiced by the Killekyata/Are Kapu community. Though these forms have distinct regional identities, languages and dialects in which they are performed, they share common themes and aesthetics . The narratives are mainly based on the epics of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the Puranas, local myths and tales. Besides providing enetertainment they also communicate the norms and ideals of teh society. The performance begins with an invocation on a ritual stage in a village square or a temple courtyard. Stock characters provide comic relief. A sense of rhythm and dance is inherent in all the traditions, across regions. The puppets are crafted from either goat or deer skin. They are manipulated from behind the screen, where lighting is provided to cast shadows. Puppet performances are a part of festivals, celebrations of special occasions, rituals, and sometimes staged to ward off evil spirits and to invoke the rain gods in times of drought in rural areas.