THRISSUR: The Cochin Devaswom Board has taken a historic decision to end the centuries-old tradition at Koothambalams (temple theatres) and allow all castes to perform Koothu and Koodiyattam.

The decision will apply to all temples of the board, including the Vadakkunnatha temple.

Famous Koodiyattam artist Kapila Venu and a few other artists paved the way for the eradication of caste discrimination in Koothambalams. Kapila, a student of Ammannoor Madhavachakyar and director of Irinjalakuda Natyakairali, is a visiting professor at the Delhi School of Drama. She is the daughter of Koodiyattam artist Venuji and Mohiniyattam dancer Nirmala Panicker. On social media, she demanded that everyone be allowed to perform Chakyar Koothu, Nangyar Koothu, Koodiyattam, Pathakam, Mizhavu Melam and Mizhavil Thayampaka in Koothambalam. Cochin Devaswom Board President V Nandakumar told Kerala Kaumudi that special families have the right to Koothu and Koodiyattam as part of 'Adiyathiram' ceremonies and without interuppting this, Koothu and Koodiyattam can be performed at all other Koothambalams of the board's temples at all other times.

These art forms weres performed by people from Chakyar and Nambiar castes. Artists are demanding that those who are willing to take over 'Adiyanthiram' at Koothambalams be given permission and rewards.