Chakiakoothu In Kerala

Koothu is a socio-religious art performed in the Koothambalam or the Koothuthara of temples, either independently or as part of Kootiyattam. Chakar Koothu is a mono-act mainly among the upper caste Hindus.

It is a solo narrative performance interspersed with mime and comic interludes. . The Chakar (Actor) acts the role of all the characters, to the accompaniment of the "Mizhavu" played by the Nambiar and the Cymbals by the Nangiar.

He recites the scriptural poem narrating the stories from the epics (The Ramayana and The Mahabharata), and annotations with witty and humorous examples and anecdotes. 

There are different versions of Koothu. Some of them are Nangyar Koothu - performed by the Nangiars or the female members of the Chakkiar community.

This a solo dance drama centered on the legends of Sree Krishna The art form is performed in temples like Vadakkumnatha temple at Thrissur, Sri Krishna temple at Ambalappuzha, Koodal Manikyam temple at Irinjalakkuda and Kumaranalloor temple at Kottayam.