Theyyam
Theyyam is one of the most outstanding ancient
dance form of Kerala. It has its origin in the northern parts of the state.
It is a very fascinating ritual practised for centuries by the tribal people
and the villagers of Northern Kerala . This folk art 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 the farmers and their landlords. This primitive ritualistic art demands long hours of preparation before the performance. The bizarre head dresses, costumes and body painting and trance like performances are very 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 always performed by men. Female roles are also enacted by men wearing suitable makeup and colourful costumes.
During the festival season between January and April, Theyyam performances can be seen in the villages in the erst-while Malabar region, especially in the Kannur District. There are regular Theyyam performances at Sri Muthappan Temple in Parassinikadavu, which is some 20 km north-east of Kannur town.
