# Kerala’s Raveli pattu tradition struggles to find new performers 2026-08-15T05:41:52+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Raveli pattu, a centuries-old storytelling tradition practised by Kerala’s Veerasaiva community, is nearing extinction as urbanisation and changing livelihoods reduce its performance spaces. P K Narayanan, 72, is among the few remaining artists in the Ernakulam region. He learnt the songs orally from his father and now performs mainly on request. None of his three children plans to continue the tradition. Performed during Karkkadakam and around Sivaratri, the art combines ancient Malayalam prose and poetry with illustrated scrolls. Its story draws from the Periya Puranam and recounts the Shaivite devotee Chiruthondar’s test by Lord Siva. Malayalam professor Sajitha G, who researched the form, says documenting its surviving artists is vital as the tradition has no written script. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: Kerala, PK Narayanan, Sajitha G Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/keralas-raveli-pattu-tradition-struggles-to-find-new-performers/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/keralas-raveli-pattu-tradition-struggles-to-find-new-performers/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.