The Tamil villages in Kerala’s Anchunad hills of Vattavada, Idukki, lit up on Sivaratri with the rare traditional dance called “Mankooth.” People from Vattavada and nearby Kottakkamboor and Koviloor gathered to take part. Mankooth is an old ritual linked to tribal hunting customs. It features special songs and a unique dance acting out hunting scenes. K. Krishnamoorthy, a Vattavada resident, said, "A few people hide inside a deer-shaped sack with horns. One person called Mali ‘hunts’ the deer with dance and song. It is performed by the Mannadiyar, Manthriyar, and other local communities." Earlier, the ritual involved killing a deer as an offering to gods. Now it is a symbolic show. Krishnamoorthy added, "Today, Mankooth is a yearly re-enactment of that ritual." Historian Manoj Mathirappally's book says Mankooth is key to Hill Pulaya culture. Villagers offer prayers at a sacred place called 'Daivathara.' In the past, hunters brought back a male deer, gave its blood as sacrifice, and shared the meat among the people. Other tribes like Kurichyar, Kadar, and Malaarayar also perform similar rituals during harvest time. Wildlife laws stopped real hunting, so the show is fully symbolic now. Mankooth remains a colourful celebration of tribal heritage in Kerala’s high ranges.