Tholubommalata Shadow Puppet Theatre of Vizianagaram

Tholubommalata (leather shadow puppet theatre) is one of India's oldest puppet traditions, practised by the Killekyala and Nakashi communities of Andhra Pradesh. Vizianagaram district has hereditary troupes of Tholubommalata puppeteers who perform all-night shows based on episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The puppets are crafted from specially cured leather — traditionally from buffalo or goat hide — perforated and painted in translucent natural colours so that light passes through the holes to create the shadow image. The puppets' articulated joints allow fluid movement of arms and head. The puppeteer narrates, sings, and manipulates multiple puppets simultaneously. Tholubommalata is recognised as an endangered art form, with the Andhra Pradesh government providing monthly stipends to master puppeteers to maintain the tradition.