Mannankoothu : Performance and Songs

Mannan Koothu is a traditional ritualistic dance performance of the Mannan tribal community in Kerala, deeply rooted in the epic tale of Kannaki and Kovalan. More than a performance, it is a living expression of the community’s collective memory, spiritual beliefs, and oral storytelling practices. Passed down through generations, Mannan Koothu blends dramatic narration, symbolic costumes, music and its rhythm.

Mannan-Koothu is a traditional cultural dance performance of the Mannan community. The performance combines expressive movements with Mannan-Koothu songs, accompanied by traditional instruments and accessories.

The stories enacted in Mannan-Koothu are based on the legendary tale of Kannaki and Kovalan. However, the Mannan community’s version of the narrative shows slight variations from the Silappathikaram, the classic Tamil Sangam epic from which the story originates. Through rhythmic songs, vibrant dance, and symbolic gestures, the Mannan people preserve and retell this ancient story in their own distinct cultural form.

In the earlier days, the community performed Mannan-Koothu every week under the guidance of the Kaani or chieftain within their hamlets. It was an important part of their social and cultural life, bringing the community together through music and storytelling. Today, Mannan-Koothu is performed mainly during annual festivals such as Kaalayootu and Pongal, or on special occasions, including the passing of prominent community members.