Theyyam

Theyyam is said to have originated in north Kerala. It is also called Thirayattam. Theyyam reflects features of a tribal culture. It is performed in temples and kavus or sacred groves to please the deities, Theyyam acts as a medium between the deity and the devotees. It is believed that Theyyam wards off poverty and illness. Theyyam requires perfect knowledge on many things recitation of songs, make-up, costume preparation, playing of instruments, dancing etc. Physical agility is essential. Chenda, veekuchenda (two types of drums), kuzhal (horn) and elathalam make up musical instruments. Theyyam or Theyyaattam is a pattern of hero worship performed in Kolathunaad, a territory comprising the present Kannur District and Badagara Taluk of Kerala. It is a ritual and a folk-dance form supported by a vast literature of folk songs. The person who plays and personifies the deity is generally called ‘Kolam’. The word Kolam means figure or shape or make-up in Tamil and Malayalam. One of the salient features of Theyyam is its colourful costume. The typical waist dress of heroes is found in Kativanoor veeran. This is called Arayota or Vattoda or Atukkum Chiraku and made out of splices of bamboos and covered by red cloth. For a few Theyyams, especially the ones played with Malayan, this waist dress is woven out of coconut leaves. The Theyyams like Vishnumoorthi and Pottan require this dress especially as they leap into the fire.

Related Topics
Folk Art Forms   Kalampattu   Kunhi Theyyam   Kaliyoottu   Kavadiyattam   Kummattikali   Kuthiyottam   Sarpapattu   Thidampunrittam   Mayilnrittam   Padayani   Pulikali   Margamkali   Cherumarkali   Mudiyettu   Arjuna Nritham   Kannyarkali   Theeyattu   Paana   Tholpavakoothu