Srirama Institute

🎭 Shadow Puppet Play of Odisha

The shadow (chhaya) theatre (nataka) of Odisha is locally known as "Ravana Chhaya"[cite: 1]. In other Indian languages, it is known as Tolu Bommalata in Telugu, Togalu Gombeyatta in Kannada, and Tolpava Koothu in Malayalam[cite: 1].

The puppets are crafted from single pieces of untanned deer and cow hide with delicate linear cuts[cite: 1]. Accompanied by rhythmic folk instruments like tambourine, cymbals, daskathi, and mridangam[cite: 1].

1. Central Hero Perspective

The hero and central shadow focus of this play is not Lord Rama, but Ravana, the mighty king whose dramatic shadow silhouette defines the performance[cite: 1].

2. Divine Philosophical View

Lord Rama is conceived as 'Parambrahma', a bodiless divine entity that is shadowless[cite: 1]. Therefore, using "Rama Chhaya" would be philosophically improper[cite: 1].

3. Mythology & Legend

On request of her sakhis, Sita once drew Ravana's figure[cite: 1]. She confessed seeing Ravana's shadow in the ocean waters during abduction in the Pushpaka Viman[cite: 1].

4. Symbolic Meaning

Since 'shadow' symbolizes illusion, deceit, and falsehood, applying it directly to Purusottam Lord Rama is avoided, hence "Ravana Chhaya" is used[cite: 1].