Theyyam: Kerala’s Ritualistic Dance of Gods and Ancestral Spirits

Context: 

Theyyam artists performed at the Challa Kadankottu Makkam Bhagavathi temple in Kannur district.

Theyyam: Sacred Rituals in Northern Kerala – Dance, Deities, and Divine Expressions

• It is a ritualistic dance performed in northern Kerala and parts of Karnataka, often by people who are momentarily treated as God-like entities during the act.
• It is performed at local temples or groves, locally known as ‘kavu’, and is often the village’s biggest festival, cutting across religions.
• It is similar to a practice in Karnataka, called ‘Bhuta Kola’. 
• It incorporates dance, mime and music to worship heroes, deities and spirits of ancestors.
• Themes: Vaishnavism, Shaktism and Shaivism
• Performed by: It is performed mainly by males, except the Devakkoothu theyyam. 
  • The Devakkoothu is the only Theyyam ritual performed by women.

Features: A Spectacle of Unique Rituals, Divine Attire, and Natural Elegance

• It is an open theatre.
• Each Theyyam has its own unique make-up, costumes, headgear and series of ritual practices.
• Right to perform each deity: often reserved for specific communities.
• Main attractions: The costume, elaborate headgear (Mudi) and facial and body makeup.
• Ingredients: Only natural materials are used to make the traditional dyes. 
  • Red is a dominant colour made with a mixture of turmeric and limestone. 
  • Black is produced with rice paddy husk burned and mixed with coconut oil.
  • White is made using Rice paste. 
  • Yellow using Turmeric. 

Types of Theyyam:  There are over 400 theyyams documented. 

• Chamundi Theyyam: It is popular in the Northern Malabar region of Kerala.
• Vishnumoorthi: It is the most popular Vaishnava Theyyam. This theyyam narrates and performs the story of Hiranyakashipu’s death by the Lord Vishnu in his avatar of Narasimham. 
• Gulikan: It is believed to be an incarnation of Yama, the Hindu god of death and justice.
• Kuttichathan: It is the theyyam of the Brahmin caste.

News Source: The Hindu

DOWNLOAD PDF