THEYYAM

About: 

• Also Known as: God’s Dance. 
  
  
• Background: The ritualistic art form is ancient, predating organised Hinduism and harking back to a time of tribal animism. Over the years, Hindu elements have been slowly taken in and adapted to the ritual. 
  
  
• Region: 
  • It originated in North Kerala. 
    
    
  • From December to April, there are Theyyam performances in many temples of Kannur and Kasaragod. 
    
    
  • Karivalloor, Nileswaram, Kurumathoor, Cherukunnu, Ezhom and Kunnathoorpadi in North Malabar are places where Theyyams are performed annually (Kaliyattam) and draw huge crowds. 
    
    
  
  
  
• Objective: It is performed to appease spirits of ancestors and folk heroes. Dancers represent local gods and goddess who ae believed to be protectors of the village. 
  
  
• Features:
  • It encompasses dance, mime and music. The ceremonious dance is accompanied by the chorus of such musical instruments as Chenda, Elathalam, Kurumkuzal and Veekkuchenda. 
    
    
  • Mudi is a key feature. It is a sacred crown made of coconut and arecanut splices dyed in different colours. Its height may vary from 1 feet to height of coconut tree. 
    
    
  • Each artist represents a hero with great power. Performers wear heavy make-up and adorn flamboyant costumes. 
    
    
  
  
  
• Types: There are over 400 separate Theyyams, each with their own music, style and choreography. The most prominent among these are Raktha Chamundi, Kari Chamundi, Muchilottu Bhagavathi, Wayanadu Kulaven, Gulikan and Pottan.