By: RAHUL NR, BANITA BEHERA
This study examines how Poothan Thira supports Kerala’s cultural and spiritual continuity. It analyses how the performance conveys complex mythological and moral narratives, and how it adapts to modern social issues to remain relevant. Poothan Thira serves as a dynamic medium that upholds moral consciousness, cultural pride, and collective memory. It offers a compelling fusion of storytelling, dance, and music that promotes spiritual engagement and social cohesion. By drawing on mythological stories that highlight the victory of good over evil, the performance instils moral principles. Additionally, it acts as a link between the past and present, enabling audiences and practitioners to honour ancestral legacies while engaging with changing social contexts. This establishes Poothan Thira as a significant living tradition that enriches Kerala’s cultural landscape. Poothan Thira is a living custom that upholds Kerala’s spiritual and cultural identity. It connects the past and present by preserving mythological stories and adapting them for contemporary settings. The art form, maintained by dedicated practitioners, continues to promote ethical principles, a sense of community belonging, and collective memory. Poohan Thira is an essential cultural force that upholds Kerala’s spiritual legacy, adjusts to contemporary issues, and fortifies communal identity across generations.
