Poikkaal Kuthirai Aattam

Poikkaal Kuthirai Aattam (poi - False, kaal - leg, Kuthirai – Horse) or Puravi Aattam (Tamil:பொய்க்கால் குதிரை ஆட்டம்) (Dummy Horse Dance) is one of the folk dances of Tamil Nadu.

The dummy figure of a horse's body is made of light-weighted materials (jute, cardboard, paper, and glass), and the cloth at the sides of the dummy swings to and fro covering the legs of the dancer.

This artistic performance is generally arranged during religious festivals and provides entertainment to the masses.

[4] This artistic performance is connected to the worship of Ayyanar and prevails mainly around Thanjavur.

[5] Recent research on poikaal Kuthirai dance dispelled the myth that this art is ancient and of Maratha origin.