Traditions

The Pulayar people have their separate and exclusive traditions and beliefs, partly due to their segregation from the mainstream community at the bottom end of the caste system in Kerala
Kerala is a Indian Union States and territories of India located in the southwestern part of India. With an Arabian Sea coastline on the west, it is bordered on the north by Karnataka and by Tamil Nadu on the south and east.... and Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 States and territories of India of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai . Tamil Nadu lies in the southern most part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by Puducherry , Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh..... Thus they have maintained their local Folklore or pre-Hindu belief systems that were unique to that age and area.Their marriage rituals were described by Edgar Thurston, who highlighted the fact that the bride's face was painted with a red and white pattern. Nowadays many of these customs have fallen into disuse.The spiritual life of the Pulaya includes certain ancient magic rituals and practices that have a certain reputation. Members of the mainstream community may consult Pulaya sorcerers (Manthrikavadi) in Kerala, for advice.Pulayas are noted for their music, craftsmanship, and for certain dances which include Kolam-thullal, a mask dance which is part of their exorcism rituals, as well as the Mudi-attam
Mudi-attam is an art form once prevalent, but now disappearing, in Central Travancore in Kerala. This is performed by the Pulaya and Paraya castes.... or hair-dance which has its origins in a fertility ritual.Other Pulayar traditions include the Theyyannam, a ritualistic dance performed by the Pulaya and Kurava communities. Theyyannam is found in Mavelikara, Pandalam and some places in Alappuzha District. When man turned to cultivation, his liking and respect for it began to increase. Though he cultivates different crops, he has a partiality for paddy cultivation. This is the theme of Theyyannam.Bhadrakali thullal is a devotional offering of Pulayas for the deity Bhadrakali

Sitala, Sitala Devi or Mariamman is the Goddess of Smallpox or the Goddess of Disease in popular or non-Vedic Hinduism..... Special pandals are constructed in the fields after the harvest and the dances are performed. They are quite drawn-out and have numerous phases.