Mannan Koothu : The Living Tradition of a Tribal Dance in Kerala

Among the Mannan tribal community of Kerala, a rich cultural tradition continues to beat to the rhythms of drums and the chants of ancient tales. This is Mannan Koothu, a traditional dance-drama that weaves storytelling, music, and ritual into a unique form of cultural expression. At its heart lies the retelling of the legendary Kannaki - Kovalan saga, a story rooted in Tamil Sangam literature but uniquely adapted by the Mannan people into their own version of the epic.

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A Glimpse into the Mythical Origins

According to community lore, the origin of Mannan Koothu traces back to two ancestral brothers, Panchampoolan and Periyanankan. Guided by their chieftain Poolappan Poolan Kaani, the brothers sought to master the art of Koothu from the mysterious sisters Valuvakotha and Valuvachakki. Many had failed before them, but the brothers succeeded— albeit in different ways. Panchampoolan learned the art directly, while Periyanankan mastered the craft through sheer determination from outside the Gurukulam. As their final test, both the brothers were asked to display their strength and skills involving supernatural powers, to set a tree ablaze by sight — Panchanpoolan could only wilt the tree in response, where as Periyanankan impressively completed the task. Earning the sisters’ blessings, together, they returned to their community and laid the foundation for the Mannan Koothu tradition as it is known today.

The Ritual and Rhythm of Performance

Traditionally performed under the guidance of the Kaani or chieftain, Koothu was once a weekly occurrence. Today, it is reserved for significant community events like the Kaalayootu festival, Pongal, or during the passing away of prominent members. A Mannan Koothu performance is a nocturnal event, beginning at night and continuing till dawn. It is both a spiritual invocation and a dramatic narrative, brought alive with elaborate costumes, makeup, and choreography.

Mannankoothu performance at Kovilmala, Kattapana on the eve of Meenoottu ritual.

The Koothu stage hosts multiple characters — male, female, and the beloved comic figure who engages the audience with humor. Interestingly, men traditionally perform all roles, including female characters, by wearing saree and blouse. In the recent years, Mannan Kooth have seen the participation of elderly women and teenage girls, breaking age-old taboos and breathing new life into this cultural art form.

Traditionally, Mannan Koothu was not just a musical performance but a deeply layered narrative interspersed with songs, verses, and storytelling. This older format was rich and immersive, offering a holistic theatrical experience. However, in modern times, this intricate form has largely faded, with performances now focusing solely on the songs—Koothupaattukal. While many younger performers are unaware of the original style, some elders still fondly hold the memory of the traditional structure. There are budding efforts to document and revive this lost dimension of the art.

Song, Story, and Spirit

Central to the Mannan Koothu are its songs, known as Koothupaattukal. There are approximately 85 such songs, orally transmitted through generations. These songs narrate the journey of Kannaki and Kovalan—from birth to their fateful journey to Kerala. While the narrative parallels the Silappathikaram, the Mannan version incorporates its own symbolic elements and cultural values.

Mangalam song being sung during Mannankoothu performance at Machiplavu, Adimali

Historically, the performance spanned over 7 days, each segment revealing a stage in the story. In modern times, however, practical constraints have condensed the performance into a single night. The performance begins with daivapaattukal—divine songs sung to invoke blessings from the gods, ancestors, and the king. The Koothu concludes with a mangalam song, a closing ceremony accompanied by the ritual sprinkling of sacred water around the arena.

Scattered between the main narrative are muripaattukal—folk songs about daily life, agriculture, lullabies, and relationships, originally included to provide breaks for the lead singer. Though many of these have been lost or replaced with Malayalam songs, efforts are underway to revive the traditional culture.

Instruments of the Koothu

The musical soul of Mannan Koothu lies in its instruments—Mathalam, Chilanka, and Charal.

Mathalam: A sacred percussion drum carved from kumbil tree (Gmelina arborea) and traditionally skinned with udumb (Monitor Lizard - Varanus bengalensis) on one side and Koora dear (Indian Spotted Chevrotain - Moschiola indica) on the other side. Now goat skin and jackfruit wood are commonly used due to wildlife protections and material scarcity. The crafting of this drum involves rituals and prayers from choosing the tree to its final making. While entering the playing arena as well while concluding the performance, performers bow down to the Mathalam, seek blessings.

Mathalam being prepared ready for the koothu performance

Chilanka: Ankle bells worn by dancers, symbolizing Kannaki’s chilambu, providing a melodic jingle to the performers' steps. The performers wear chilanka with prayers to Kannaki.

Charal: A pair of small cymbals producing sharp, resonant chimes, played to keep rhythm and enhance the dramatic tempo.

Instrumentalists and singers sit on a traditional wooden platform known as the benchikol or kol, with the mathalam at the front line, followed by singers instrument players and then followed by young enthusiasts from the community who wants to observe and learn the craft.

Photo: (On Left) Benchikol / Kol being prepared, (On Right) Benchikol being used during Kooth performance

Women and the Sacred Stage

Historically, women, especially those of menstruating age, were barred from participating due to ritualistic beliefs tied to Ayyappa worship and fear of repercussions from magical spells that were believed to guard the Koothu arena. Today, with fewer elders practicing such spiritual binding, cultural boundaries are loosening. Teenagers and elderly women now partake in performances, helping to reshape the tradition in contemporary times, even as some elders still express caution while doing so.

From Ritual to Stage: Koothu and Tourism

In Kumily, a transformation is unfolding. With support from the Forest & Wildlife Department under the Eco-Development Committee (EDC), Mannan Koothu has found new life as a cultural tourism offering. Performed at the Vanashree Auditorium, Kumali, the Koothu is showcased to tourists daily. This version has been adapted to meet audience expectations—shortened to one hour and incorporating interactive segments, all through taking feedback and suggestions from audience and forest officials.

Visual aesthetics were enhanced drawing inspiration from programs held at the time of past leaders like Thevan Rajamannan. Costumes incorporate divine trees such as incha kodi and badraksham, while rhythmic choreography was introduced to lend structure and engagement. 

Though some yearn to see the traditional version on stage, many recognize the tourism initiative as a viable way to preserve and promote the heritage. Biju, a member of the community, expresses this dual hope: that the traditional form of Koothu continues to be celebrated, even as the adapted version grows in popularity and accessibility.

Adapted version of Mannan Koothu being performed as a tourism program at Vanashree Auditorium, Kumali

Mannan Koothu is more than a dance or a performance—it's the living breath of a people's memory, echoing across generations. As it evolves with the times, balancing ritual and revival, it stands as a proud testament to the resilience of indigenous cultural identity in a rapidly modernizing world.