Kunhi Theyyam or Tiny Theyyam is performed by boys below 10 years. Kunhi Theyyam is performed in courtyards of houses. Onam is the selective time for Kunhi Theyyam. Kunhi Theyyam in Aadivedan and Karikkodothi are performed by children from Malayan community as against Onathar, the third appearance, performed by Vannan community. Both the communities consider the performance as their hereditary right.

During Karkidakam and Chingam, Kunhi Theyyam descends three times. The first is on 16th day of Karkidakam, that is, half past Karkidakam, as Aadivedan, a tribe called Vedan coming in Aadimasam or Karkidakam. Aadivedan is supposed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva in a form of hunter otherwise called Kirathamoorthy. He visits with a bell in hand each household and dance to dispel evil forces and showers blessings. The matriarch of the house is directed by him to perform Kuruthi or blood sacrifice. The Kuruthi is made by mixing turmeric powder and calcium carbonate in water. The second visit of the Kunhi Theyyam is during Sankramam of Karkidakam and Chingam, that is, the beginning of harvest season, as Karkkidothi. Karkkidothi is the incarnation of Shiva as Mangalamoorthy, the symbol of prosperity. Everything is done as in the first visit except that the Kuruthi is made of ash and water. The third appearance of Kunhi Theyyam is during Onam as Onathar. Onathar is supposed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Onathar appears with a bow and arrow. As against driving out the evil spirits during the first and second visit of Kunhi Theyyam, the third visit is aimed at bringing in prosperity to the household.