Pulluva is a primitive Dravidian community of Kerala. The members of the community are called Pulluvas.

The name originates from the belief that they can predict ill omens like the bird Pullu (a kind of falcon). According to the local belief, the loud cry of the bird Pullu is a bad omen. 

The Pulluvas are regarded as those who are eligible to save others from ill omens.

In Kerala, serpents are worshipped as Gods. Sarppakkavu or sacred serpent groves can be seen in villages and aristocratic families.

The rituals of Pulluvas are inevitable in serpent worship.

Pulluvan Paattu is a ritualistic song which is sung to appease the snakes or Naga (Serpent) gods. The singers visit each house and sing the song so that, it is believed, the family will be free of the curse of snakes.

Most of the songs are related with the worship of Naga gods, agriculture and healing. A male and a female sing the songs together.

As the accompaniment to these songs of amazing folk beauty, they use instruments called Pulluva Veena and Pulluvakkudam and Ilathaalam (Cymbals).