Pulluvas are a primitive
Dravidian group. The word ‘pulluvan’ literally means ‘a person who predicts from the sound of birds’, which is derived from the word ‘pullu’ means ‘a bird of good omen.’ The major sub divisions of the Pulluva community are Nagampatikal (people who sing snake songs) and Pretampatikal (people who sing ghost songs). They are great devotees of the snake gods and goddesses, especially the
Nagaraja and
Nagayakshi.
Pulluvanpattu is a major ritualistic art form of the Pulluvas. Sarpa pattu and Sarpam Thullal are the other major art forms performed by them. Kalamezhuthu is a necessary part of these art forms. The musical instruments used by the Pulluvas, unique to their caste, are Pulluvan Veena and Pulluvan Kudam. Their system of music is somewhat similar to the raga system of classical music. In olden days, Pulluvas were called to houses to perform rituals to appease the serpent deities.
Pulluvanpattu is also performed in temples during the Ayilyam Puja.
