Theyyam
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A ritual worship form of north Kerala in which a performer in huge headgear and vivid face paint becomes a deity for the night and blesses the devotees.
RitualWhere: North Kerala, mainly Kannur and Kasaragod districtsOccasion: Shrine (kavu) festivals, mostly from October to May
| Performed by | Men of particular hereditary communities, trained from childhood |
|---|---|
| Costume | Tall headdresses of bamboo, palm leaves and cloth, red skirts, silver ornaments and intricate face painting |
| Music and instruments | Chenda drums, elathalam cymbals and kuzhal (pipe); thottam songs that tell the deity’s story |
How it is performed
- The performer prepares for days with fasting and prayer.
- On the festival night, singers sing the thottam, the story of the deity, while he is painted and dressed.
- Before a mirror he takes on the deity; he then dances in the shrine courtyard to the drums, sometimes around fire.
- As the deity, he speaks to devotees, listens to their troubles and gives blessings with turmeric or rice.
Significance
Theyyam honours hundreds of deities, heroes and ancestors. For the night, a performer from a community once kept low in the caste order is worshipped as a god by all.