Archive · 6 Jun 2025
Malai Koothu: The Tradition of Street Play in the Hills
Malai koothu is a special street play performed in the hills by the Malaiyali tribes, like a temple dance.
They act out stories from old tales using colorful costumes and a funny character.
Artists spend money on their costumes and do their own makeup.
The actors have to use loud voices because they don't use microphones.
The plays are often for temple festivals or special occasions, and it's an important tradition for the people, even though the performers sometimes have to work other jobs to earn money.
Malai koothu is a street play performed by the Malaiyali tribes in the Yelagiri Hills and surrounding areas.
Performances often include a buffoon character, 'Boppan,' and stories centered around The Mahabharata.
Artists spend around ₹15,000 on costumes, which can last 3-4 years, and they do their own makeup.
The high-pitched style of the performers in the hills allows them to reach larger audiences without microphones.
The art form is considered sacred by its practitioners and is primarily performed for temple festivals and social cohesion.
- Who
- Malaiyali tribes and artists in the Yelagiri Hills and surrounding areas.
- What
- A traditional street play called 'Malai koothu'.
- When
- Performed at temple festivals, births, deaths, and marriages.
- Where
- Performed in the Yelagiri Hills, including the Kadavu Nachiamman Temple of Nilavur.
- Why
- To express social cohesion and as a temple dance form.
- Art Form
- Malai koothu (street play)
- Location
- Yelagiri Hills and surrounding areas
- Performance Occasions
- Temple festivals, births, deaths, and marriages
- Costume Cost
- ₹15,000
- Main Themes
- The Mahabharata and the Puranas