Chalyar Koothu

Chakyar Koothu pronounced [tʃaːkjaːr kuːt̪ːɨ̆], is a revered and time-honored art form of storytelling, rooted in the rich tradition of Kutiyattam. This expressive and captivating verbal performance, based on the Sanskrit text known as Chambu, brings ancient tales to life, weaving eloquence and emotion into each narration. One of its distinctive features is the emphasis on elaborating the meaning of Sanskrit words, enhancing the depth and understanding of the stories being told. The performer narrates episodes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata and draws stories from the Puranas. On occasion, Chakyar Koothu also resembles modern stand-up comedy, as performers incorporate sharp commentary on socio-political issues and personalized remarks about the audience.