Mannankoothu Songs and Structure

The Mannan community believes that there are about eighty-five Koothu songs in existence. These songs have been passed down through generations as part of an oral tradition. They narrate the story of Kannaki and Kovalan — from their birth to Kannaki’s arrival in Kerala. While the songs are inspired by the Silappathikaram epic, the Mannan version introduces its own variations in narrative and detail.

In earlier times, Mannan-Koothu was performed over seven days, with each stage presenting a portion of the Kannaki–Kovalan story. Today, the performance is usually limited to a single night due to changes in lifestyle and livelihood patterns.

The first three songs, known as Daiva Pattukal (divine songs), are particularly significant. They express the community’s reverence for the gods, ancestors, and the king, and are sung to seek permission and blessings before the performance begins. These songs are usually performed separately in a corner near the main arena.

The performance concludes with the Mangalam song. During this final act, a bowl of water is placed at the centre of the arena; it is later sprinkled around the space to mark the ritual end of the Koothu.

Traditionally, Mannan-Koothu included a blend of songs, verses, and storytelling. However, this older structure is now fading, with most performances featuring only the songs. Some elders in the community still remember the complete version and share their knowledge to preserve it.

Folk songs called Muripaattukal were once interwoven with the Koothu to depict scenes from everyday life — such as farming in the forest, interpersonal relationships, or lullabies. These songs also provided rest intervals for the lead singers. In recent times, Malayalam songs are often used in place of Muripaattukal, as many traditional tunes have been lost.

Efforts are now being made to revive the older form of Mannan-Koothu and its traditional songs. Mani from Chinnapara notes that younger members of the community are learning the ancient methods, working to bring back the authentic rhythm and essence of their cultural heritage.