THEYYAM
Theyyam is one of the most outstanding ancient dance forms. It has its origin in the northern parts of the state. It is a fascinating ritual practised for centuries by the tribals and the villagers. This form is also called Thirayattam, because every thira, or village, performed this ritualistic art at the village temple. The Theyyam or Kolam (a form or shape), represents a mythological, divine or heroic character. There are over 350 Theyyams in northern Kerala.
It is a dance form glorifying the Theyyam, the local deity, who is believed to bless and arbitrate between farmers and landlords. This primitive ritualistic art demands hours of preparation. The head dresses, costumes and body painting and trance like performances are extraordinary. Each one has a distinguishing headgear and costume made out of natural materials like leaves and bark. Musical accompaniments are chenda and veekuchenda (drums), elathalam and kuzhal (horn). Theyyam is invariably performed by men..
During the festival season between January and April, Theyyam performances can be seen in the villages in the erstwhile Malabar region, especially in the Kannur District. There are regular Theyyam performances at Sri Muthappan Temple in Parassinikadavu, 20 km north-east of Kannur town.
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