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.