NOHP Puducherry - Bringing Oral Health Awareness to the streets of Puducherry - "Theru Koothu" Series 2 - A Tamil Street theatre tradition

On the occasion of World Oral Health Day, we took public health awareness beyond clinics and into the heart of the community through street plays across different areas of Puducherry. Using the power of traditional folk art, we engaged, educated, and inspired action toward better oral hygiene practices.

One of the highlights of this initiative was the use of “Theru Koothu”, a vibrant and deeply rooted Tamil street theatre tradition. Known for its expressive storytelling, colourful costumes, and engaging dialogues, Theru Koothu has long been a medium for social change. By incorporating oral health themes into this art form, we delivered impactful messages on the importance of brushing twice a day, avoiding tobacco, and seeking timely dental care—all in a way that resonated with the audience. Dental surgeons and oral health staff participated in these events making their contribution in spreading the message of oral health in the streets of Puducherry.

From bustling markets to residential neighbourhoods, the performances drew in crowds of all ages, sparking conversations about oral health and encouraging behavioural change. Through this initiative, we reaffirmed that health communication is most effective when it speaks the language of the people—both culturally and emotionally and it stands as a testament to the power of community driven health promotion, ensuring that awareness reaches even the most undeserved populations.
The second program in this series happened at Poornakuppam Angalamman koil ground, a rural village in Puducherry on 19th MArch 2025 and nearly 100 people took part in this event.