This research critically examines Karman Kuttu, a distinctive ritual drama tradition performed by the Tamil

Hindu community in Kon Kodiyawa village, located in the Nuwara Eliya District of Sri Lanka. Deeply rooted in

the region’s intangible cultural heritage, Karman Kuttu functions as both a sacred offering and a vital mode of

performance tradition within local temple festivals. Utilizing an ethnographic study approach, the research

incorporates field observations, participant interviews, and photographic documentation to explore the narrative,

Despite its cultural significance, Karman Kuttu remains an understudied tradition, with limited scholarly

documentation. Folk drama traditions have long been pivotal in articulating the religious beliefs, social values,

and cultural memory of communities worldwide. In Sri Lanka’s central highlands, the ritual drama known as

Karman Kuttu represents a significant yet understudied aspect of Tamil Hindu cultural expression. This

traditional performance, which intertwines theatrical narrative, devotional music, and symbolic enactment, is

The present study aims to document and analyze the performative and ritualistic dimensions of Karman Kuttu,

with a focus on its role within the Tamil Hindu community’s religious festivals and cultural life. Employing

Over the decades, these traditions were indigenized, acquiring ritual features distinct from their South Indian

origins. The origins of Karman Kuttu are closely linked to the folk theatrical and ritual traditions of Tamil Hindu

communities in South India, which was brought to Sri Lanka during the colonial period. Tamil laborers and

settlers, especially those working in the central hill plantations, adapted and localized these performance

In Kon Kodiyawa village, Karman Kuttu is primarily performed during annual temple festivals dedicated to

deities such as Mariamman, Kali, and Murugan. These festivals serve both devotional and communal functions,

reinforcing religious faith while fostering social cohesion among village members. The performance typically

includes a blend of mythological storytelling, ritual invocation, music, dance, and symbolic costume, reflecting

Beyond its function as religious entertainment, the performance acts as a communal ritual that reinforces social

bonds and affirms collective identity. It is intricately linked to local Hindu temple festivals, where it serves to

honor deities and solicit their blessings for agricultural prosperity and communal well-being. The tradition fosters

intergenerational knowledge transfer, involving elders as custodians and youth as performers. Additionally,

Karman Kuttu reflects syncretic influences from both Tamil and Sri Lankan folk practices, highlighting the

The structure of Karman Kuttu typically begins with a ritual invocation, followed by a series of mythological

narratives enacted by performers embodying divine and heroic figures. Music plays an essential role, featuring

traditional Tamil percussion instruments such as the thappattai and dholak, complemented by vocal chants and

representing transformation and spiritual possession during the ritual. Props such as swords, tridents, and

ceremonial umbrellas further enhance the theatricality and religious symbolism of the performance. The stage is

usually a simple open space near the temple premises, decorated with floral garlands, lamps, and sacred symbols,

Today, Karman Kuttu remains a vibrant but vulnerable tradition in Konkodiyawa and surrounding areas. While

the performance continues to be an integral feature of temple festivals, participation has declined, particularly

among younger generations who face economic migration and competing interests. Nonetheless, local

committees and cultural activists are making efforts to revive interest through community workshops,

documentation projects, and collaboration with cultural institutions. These efforts are critical for sustaining the

integral to the event. These findings underscore the richness of Karman Kuttu as a living cultural practice and

multifaceted approach: formal documentation, government and NGO support, integration into educational

Karman Kuttu exemplifies the enduring power of folk ritual drama to sustain cultural identity and communal

cohesion within Sri Lanka’s Tamil Hindu communities. Despite contemporary challenges, the tradition continues

to embody spiritual devotion, artistic expression, and social unity. This research highlights the necessity of

comprehensive preservation strategies to ensure that Karman Kuttu remains a vibrant part of Sri Lanka’s

intangible cultural heritage for future generations. Integrating Karman Kuttu into national heritage frameworks