![]() History of Bommalattam The history of Bommalattam puppetry dates back to India’s medievalperiod as far as 10th century when most of the Bommalattam performances were based on tales of spirituality and mythology. Bommalattam, narrates the traditional legends and myths such as Valli Kalyanam (Valli’s marriage), Harichandra, Lava Kusa, Nallatangal Kathai and Markadeyan Kathai. Bommalattam was also used during the freedom struggle to promote nationalistic zeal. ![]() Bommalattam Puppetry In Bommalattam puppetry, the puppets are made out of cloth, wood, leather or other materials. The strings or wires are used to control the puppets, whose hands and legs were tied up to the strings. There are 5 to 8 members in the puppet show troupe. A single puppeteer presents the entire puppet show. The Bommalattam finger puppet dance begins with homage to God and continues with humorous stories. There is a character of buffoon which is extremely hilarious that displays fun and frolic. The Bommalattam puppetry in India is closely associated with religious and ceremonial events such as temple festivals and for the fulfilment of vows, thanksgiving for marriages and childbirth, or the welfare of the community. In earlier days, the puppet dance in Tamil Nadu was used to narrate religious stories, especially ethical stories. In addition to it, people believed it is auspicious to host a puppet show to ward off evil spirits from their villages. Bommalattam theatre has elaborate preliminaries which are divided into four parts - Vinayak Puja, Komali, Amanattam and Pusenkanattam. |