Thumbi Thullal is a spirited women's folk artform of Kerala, closely linked with Onam festivities and games. Performed in groups, it brings together song, rhythm, and playful movement, creating a vibrant communal space for women. Traditionally, six to seven women dressed in kasavu saris sit in a circle while one among them takes the role of the Thumbi (dragonfly).

The central performer holds a tuft made of thumba plants (a small white-flowered herb considered sacred) and begins singing quick, lively verses. Those seated around her clap in rhythm and sing along, adding energy to the performance. As the tempo of the song builds, the Thumbi sways and moves more intensely, sometimes brushing the floor with her hair or feigning a faint, as if overtaken by spirit and rhythm.

The charm of Thumbi Thullal lies in how it transports you to a simpler time. With rustic tunes and celebration of the feminine energy during Onam, Thumbi Thullal stands out as a unique expression of Kerala's folk heritage.