PETTA THULLAL DANCE
- The Kerala State Pollution Board recently proposed banning chemical-based colors used during the Petta Thullal ritual.
- The inclusion of toxic metals in the ritual’s colors, including as lead, arsenic, and cadmium, causes skin irritation as well as pollution of the water and soil.
- It has been suggested that an organic vermilion be used to reduce the environmental impact.
- Vermilion is a red pigment that was initially manufactured from powdered cinnabar.
- Petta Thullal is a traditional religious dance performed to commemorate Lord Ayyappa’s victory over evil.
- It also marks the start of the final leg of Kerala’s yearly Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
Source: THE HINDU.
