Theyyam are Hindu ritualistic dance forms practiced in northern Kerala and some parts of Karnataka. Theyyam is also known as Kaliyaattam or Tira.
Theyyam consists of traditions, rituals and customs associated with temples and sacred groves of Malabar.The people of the region consider Theyyam itself as a channel to a god and they thus seek blessings from Theyyam.The theyyam period is from the 10th of Malayalam month Thulam (October/November) and comes to a close by the end of June.
Click here for Theyyam Calender.Theyyam Performance
Theyyam performance are followed many rituals. Initially, the performer is given an intimation and later that the date of performance is fixed and the performer (Kolakaran) is informed.The first part of the Theyyam performance is known as Vellattam or Thottam. Also known as Thottampattu, it is performed in a light manner without any elaborate costume and the performer narrates the origin and characteristics of different Theyyams.
The Kolakaran along with his assistants participate in it. The main instruments used for thottampattu are Chenda, Veekan Chenda, Ilathalam and Kuzhal. For performing Vellattam, the performer's face of the performer is painted and he has a tuft of hair on his head.
All the Theyyams will not have Vellattam instead they will have the function of receiving Podiyila.Face art of Theyyam is one of the best examples of folk painting in Kerala.This ritual art form brings out a completely different shade of culture and beliefs.
Types of Theyyam
There are about 456 types of Theyyams documented. Theyyam is mainly performed by males, except the Devakoothu theyyam; the Devakoothu is the only Theyyam ritual performed by women. Devakoothu is performed only in the Thekkumbad Kulom temple.Some of the famous Theyyams are
- Muchilottu Bhagavathy
- Kathivanur Veeran
- Vishnumoorthi
- Sree Muthappan Theyyam
- Padikutti Amma
- Gulikan
- Padamadakki Bhagavathy
- Chamundi
- Madayil Chamundi
- Kuttichathan
- Manakkott Amma
- Veeran
- Veeraali
- Pottan theyyam
- Puthiya bhagavathi
- Kandanaar kelan.
- Kannagaatu bhagavathi
- Puliyoor kaali
- Vayanaattu kulavan( Thondachan).