Theyyam or Kaliyattam is an ancient art form, widely popular in northern side of Kerala. Theyyam is a folk dance performed in festivals and special events in North Kerala. The festivals are once in a year in this kinds of temples known as Kavu , where daily poojas are not happening. This differentiates it from other temples of higher caste. Theyyam has vital importance in the history , when peoples are divided by caste wise and lower caste peoples are not allowed in temples. It is believed that God is coming to meet the devotees in the form of theyyam once in a year. It is known as dance of God in which character is himself converted as god, getting supernatural powers and showers blessings to the devotees.
Theyyam season starts from March to April of every year. The performance is known as” kettiyadal”. Before that the performers are taking a strict Vegetarianism, fasting and meditation of forty one days. During the performance, the performer will become insensible and behave like god/goddess. Mostly it was performed by the lower and tribal Hindu castes of Kerala. About 17 types of castes are performing theyyam in northern Kerala , like Velan, Pulaya, Panan, Vannan, Tiyya, Malayan, Munmuttan, Coppalan, Anjuttan, Mavilan, Chigathan, Vannan, Cheravan, Kalandi, Paravan, Pamnathar and Karimpalar. Most of characters in theyyam including female, are performed by male artists. The performance is accompanied by instruments like chenda,ilathalam,kuzhal etc, and steps, music, designs varies according to the characters. Like Gurukula model, the teacher gives training to their son, nephew and other relatives who will follow the paithrukam(Heritage through father).They have to make their body flexible and well trained in order to avoid accidents during the performance.
The dancer will starts dancing by taking a sword or shield according to the musical instruments. During the performance the characters are producing some words or sound known as “orayal”.
Theyyam design and costumes are more complex and attractive as compared to other art forms of Kerala. Normally the makeup is done by using natural and organic colors like turmeric,rice powder, tender coconut leaves etc. Most of costumes are disposable and can not be used for long term performances. This make it constlier and consume lots of time.
some of the characters are given below:
Adukunnath bhagavati
Angakkulangara bhagavati
Bali
Bappiriyan theyyam
Bhairavan
Chembilot bhagavati
Chooliyar Bhagavati
Chuzhali Bhagavati
Daivadhar eeshwaran
Dandinganath Bhagavati
Elavoor theyyam
Eleduth bhagavati
Eroth Chamundi
Gulikan
Gulikchamundian
Irichoodal
Kaithan chamundi
Kandapuli
Kannangat bhagavati
Kannikoru makkan
Karim chamundi
Karimanal Chamumndi
Karinthiri nair
Karutha pootham
Kattu moorthi
Kizhakkeveetil chamundi
Kodoth chamundi
Koroth naga Bhagavati
Kudiveeran
Kundoor chamundi
Kurathi amma
Kuttichathan
Kuttikol thamburatti theyyam
Madayil Chamundi
Madhicha mundi
Manakkot amma
Marapuli
Mavila Chamundi
Mayyakkal Bhagavati
Moovalamkuzhi chamundi
Muchilottu bhagavati
Mundan thema
Muthala theyyam
Muthoor theyyam
Naga kanyaka
Nagarajavu
Narambil bhagavati
Padarkulangara bhagavati
Padaveeran
Padikkutti amma
Padinjare Chamundi
Palot theyyam
Paradevatha
Peruvamba Chamundi
Peruvannan
Pethelan
Phayparay dhevatha
Podhi theyyam
Pottan theyyam
Pulichon
Pulikandan
Pulikkandan theyyam
Pulimaran theyyam
Pulimaruthan
Puliyoor kaali
Puliyur kaali
Pullikarim kaali
Pullikaringali
Pullon
Puthiya Bhagavati
Raktha chamundi
Sree muthappan theyyam
Thamburatti
Theechamundi
Thiruvoppana
Urpazhassi
Vannathan
Vayanattu kulavan (thondathin theyyam)
Vellaragara Bhagavati
Velutha pootham
Vettakkoru makan
Vettakorumakan
Vishnumurth
fabulous
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