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Sarpam
thullal is a ritual offering, to propitiate the serpent deities, prevalent
in Central Kerala.
The dance is performed by 'Pulluvans' or bards of the snake grove. They
pray for the prosperity of the family and are intermediaries between the
serpent deity and the elders of the 'Nair Tharavadu'.
The drawing of the 'Nagakalam' is accompanied by the playing of a unique
string instrument called 'Pulluva
Veena', which produces music similar to that of a percussion
instrument.
Two women ('Piniyals') sit inside the 'Kalam' offering themselves to be
possessed by the deities.
Moaning, and writhing with serpent-like movements, they answer the
queries of the Pulluvan before finally erasing the Kalam.