Kerala is the home to the most beautiful and incredible art forms that are legendary. Art forms talk of culture, history, traditions, man, his religion, etc. Kerala has a few art forms which are really captivating and are incredible sights.
The majestic experience of the art forms leaves viewers speechless as it not only attracts them but also makes them glued to their positions. Theyyam in Kerala is an incredible art form that takes you down the lane. Theyyam is an art form practiced only in Kerala and that too in a select part of its Northern Districts of Kannur, Kasragode, and Calicut.
Theyyam is one of the most beautiful traditional ritualistic forms of North Kerala. Kerala Theyyam is a product of the synthesis of analysis of ritual, vocal and instrumental music, dance, painting, sculpture, and also literature.
Originated in North Kerala, Theyyam is a famous ritual and art form which personifies legendary stories. Theyyam is the prominent ritual art form of the Kingdom of Cannanore aka Kolathunadu. Collaborating mime, dance, music, and dance, Theyyam unfolds the stories in the past and drags the spectators to a different world, unveiling the pasts and stories of ancient times. Theyyam is of different types and there are around 400 Theyyams, each defined with its own style, music, and choreography.
Theyyam dance incorporates dance and music with mime. Among the different varieties of Theyyams, the most famous ones are Raktha Chamundi, Muchilottu, Kari Chamundi, Bhagavathi, Gulikan, Wayanadu Kulaven, and Pottan.
The musical instruments used in this magnanimous art forms are Chenda, Kurumkuzhal, Elathalam, and Veekkuchenda. From time immemorial, dance ceremonies were done to worship the ancestral heroes and spirits. It is why Theyyam in Kerala has grown to be an inevitable part of the lives of a certain population.
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Adorned with flamboyant costumes and heavy makeup, artists have a striking look that catches the attention of the spectators. The ornaments, headgear, and choreography are majestic and strong that it creates an atmosphere of wonder, fear, and awe. With rigorous moves and sounds, certain Theyyams also include blood sacrifices. This ritual art form brings out a completely different shade of culture and beliefs. Theyyam is prominent in the northern parts of Kerala and are performed in the temples of Kasargod and Kannur. Theyyam in Kerala draws in huge crowds and the applause earned is wilder than that of a concert. But more than the applause the impact it creates on people is what is highlighting.
THEYYAM CALENDER 2024-25
| Date | Place | Temple/Kavu/Tharavadu |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Place | Temple/Kavu/Tharavadu |
| 27 October 2024 | Kanhangad | Araiy Karthika |
| 27 October 2024 | Neeleshwar | Pattin Veedu Tharavadu |
| 28 October 2024 | Neeleshwar | Aniyottamabalam Veerara Kaavu |
| 29 October 2024 | Paddankkad | Valiyapedd Tharavadu |
| 30 October 2024 | Neeleshwar | Kunjupellipulik Vishnumoorthy Temple |
| 31 October 2024 | Kanhangad | Kizhakke Vazhakkodam Tharavadu |
| 01 November 2024 | Vazhunoradi | Pokkinul Kalichamman Devasthanam |
| 01 November 2024 | Cheruthat | Azhtivakkil |
| 02 November 2024 | Kanhangad | Theruthtta Aryall Bhagavathi Temple |
| 03 November 2024 | Neeleshwar | Mungath Bhagavathi Temple |
| 04 November 2024 | Thrikarippur | Pekakkandi Bhagavappalli Aalu Kaliyyatham |
| 05 November 2024 | Aalkatthata | Kannadi Poduvilaa Veedu |
| 06 November 2024 | Kottam | Kallipaathaa |
| 08 November 2024 | Cheuvathupru | Ponmaalam Vishnumoorthy Temple |
| 08 November 2024 | Pilicode | Rayarangaalam Wethukkunnu |
| 08 November 2024 | Bellikkoth | Ajhthal Theru Bhagavathi Temple |
| 08 November 2024 | Neeleshwar | Thakyeeri Someshwar Temple |
| 09 November 2024 | Ozhinhavalapp | Ozhinhavalapp Tharavadu |
| 10 November 2024 | Kandangad | Kottaram |
| 10 November 2024 | Keru | Vishnumoorthy Temple |
| 11 November 2024 | Kadimgod | Koyumpuram Kalicham Temple |
| 12 November 2024 | Chevathur | Kaittali Mundya- Ottakkallu |
| 12 November 2024 | Cheruvathur | Kizhathii Vishnumoorthy Temple |
| 13 November 2024 | Upplikkal | Vishnumoorthy Temple Ottakkolam |
| 16 November 2024 | Uppilikai | Iyettakod Mkan Temple |
| 17 November 2024 | Pallyikkal | Pallikattay Maaikkath Temple, Paidinharekkara |
| 17 November 2024 | Panchikkul Kadapur | Vayell Arekka |
| 18 November 2024 | Neeleshwar | Ponnalliaryal Tharavadu, Pallikkara |
| 18 November 2024 | Neeleshwar | Vishnumoorthy Temple, Paidinharekkara |
| 19 November 2024 | Ayyinkott | Pallat Panikkath Paramb |
| 19 November 2024 | Pillikoth | Pillikoth |
| 20 November 2024 | Alkalathchayath | Nagaampara Tharavadu |
| 21 November 2024 | Ayyinkkuru | Palithirakkam Brahmana Paramb |
| 22 November 2024 | Aalki | Pulukoddann Tharavadu |
| 23 November 2024 | Neeleshwar | Naggachhi Vishnumoorthy Temple |
| 23 November 2024 | Neeleshwar | Kallipullath Temple |
| 24 November 2024 | Cheuvoor | Kalichamma Eengamalam Koottam |
| 24 November 2024 | Neeleshwar | Kalichakath Kattamangalam Temple |
| 26 November 2024 | Neeleshwar | Ambalapady Illam |
| 26 November 2024 | Araiy | Erath Muthyd |
| 30 November 2024 | Neeleshwar | Pathiyedaa Koott, North Kottachery |
| 30 November 2024 | Cheuvattur | Pakkayil Tharavadu |
| 01 December 2024 | Neeleshwar | Valiyapedd Tharavadu |
| 02 December 2024 | Kanhangad | Koonjhangad Tharavadu |
| 03 December 2024 | Bellikkoth | Puthiyankand Vishnumoorthy Temple |
| 03 December 2024 | Ayyinkutt | Puthiyankand Paramb |
| 04 December 2024 | Bellikkoth | Ayaki Veedu Tharavadu |
| 05 December 2024 | Menappees | Batherikka Purushu Tharavadu |
| 06 December 2024 | Kanhangad | Makkakodan Tharavadu, Athiyambur |
| 07 December 2024 | Pulur | Kodalayil Anniitturukoppu Tharavadu |
| 08 December 2024 | Madikai | Cheruvail |
| 09 December 2024 | Pulur | Keloth Tharavadu |
| 10 December 2024 | Cheemeni | Valiyavedu Tharavadu |
| 11 December 2024 | Neeleshwar | Palree Keezhil Temple |
| 11 December 2024 | Kanhangad | Kunnummal Vishnumoorthy Temple |
| 12 December 2024 | Velikkoth | Idathala Moolachery Tharavadu |
| 13 December 2024 | Aalappadamb | Theyyothukavu |
| 14 December 2024 | Kanhirapoyyil | Vennattu Munday |
| 19 December 2024 | Pilicode | Panayakadu Bhagavathi Temple |
| 20 December 2024 | Madikai | Malappacheri Mundya |
| 21 December 2024 | Viduna | Kizhakke Theruvullikkunnu |
| 22 December 2024 | Neeleshwar | Kootthaliara Paidinhattan Kozhuval |
| 22 December 2024 | Bangalam | Aangakkalil Vettikoor Thakann Makham |
| 23 December 2024 | Cheruvathur | Kunnur Tharavadu |
| 25 December 2024 | Puthilott | Amappeedicher Tharavadu, Puthilott |
| 26 December 2024 | Bellikkoth | Kizhakke Padinnakkare |
| 30 December 2024 | Thikkadavkadapuram | Chalakkad Tharavadu |
| 31 December 2024 | Pettikulum | Thodullamal Channudeswhar Temple |
| 02 January 2025 | Neeleshwar | Neelangali Chamundeshwari Temple |
| 03 January 2025 | Kanhattu | Nalavar Temple Kaliyyath |
| 04 January 2025 | Kanhattu | Vishnumoorthy Temple, Theru |
| 05 January 2025 | Kanhattu | Pudiloorith Madham |
| 06 January 2025 | Payannur | Kooramba Temple |
| 07 January 2025 | Payyannur | Panjiilkandy Illam, Perumithatta |
| 08 January 2025 | Trikarippur | Saddakelappara Ar – Kadapparam |
| 09 January 2025 | Trikarippur | Parukkandy Illam |
| 19 January 2025 | Madham | Vishnumoorthy Temple |
| 20 January 2025 | Payyannur | Cooramba Temple |
| 21 January 2025 | Kannapuram | Olickaal Tharavadu |
| 23 January 2025 | Chekkikula | Padai Aiya Bhagavathi Temple |
| 24 January 2025 | Neeleshwar | Maayilcherry Temple |
| 25 January 2025 | Madam | Vishnumoorthy Temple |
| 26 January 2025 | Kannapuram | Bhagavathi Temple |
| 26 January 2025 | Mayyannur | Nalloottil Madham |
| 27 January 2025 | Neeleshwar | Panniyakkil Tharavadu |
| 30 January 2025 | Alapath | Pothiyamparambath Bhagavathi Palakkat |
| 03 February 2025 | Alankode | Neeleshwar |
| 06 February 2025 | Trathion | Tharvadu |
| 06 February 2025 | Trathion | Tharvadu |
| 07 February 2025 | Kanhangad | Nakiyatthara Pullikkarngalil Temple |
| 08 February 2025 | Neeleshwar | Mukkukkary, Kanhangad Kadapparam |
| 09 February 2025 | Neeleshwar | Muthukarikkad Vishnumoorthy Temple |
| 09 February 2025 | Nellikatt | Pookkalath Tharavad Chamundeshwari |
| 10 February 2025 | Kariveilur | Makkeel Mundya |
| 11 February 2025 | Trikaripur | Nadakkavu Mundya |
| 12 February 2025 | Kanhangad | Plakkal Tharavad, Kunnummal |
| 13 February 2025 | Kanavathparamba | Thekkumbad |
| 14 February 2025 | Ozhinhalapp | Thalaparam Tharavad |
| 15 February 2025 | Ozhinhalavalapp | Puthiyuppalli Tharavad |
| 16 February 2025 | Trikaripur | Thalacham Kattachery Karimchamundi |
| 17 February 2025 | Kanhangad | Kakkanam Veed, Kanhangad South |
| 18 February 2025 | Banam | Ponnamparambath |
| 19 February 2025 | Madayi | Thazhathaveedu Tharavad |
| 20 February 2025 | Madayi | Pateen Veedu Tharavadu |
| 23 February 2025 | Madayi | Chandichavan Veed Tharavadu |
| 23 February 2025 | Ozhinhalapp | Kekkandan Tharavadu, Keloth |
| 24 February 2025 | Kuttikol | Thambadyth |
| 25 February 2025 | Kasargode | Aieve Deavasthanam, Pulikkunnu |
| 25 February 2025 | Payyanur | Mavincherry Temple |
| 26 February 2025 | Kariveilur | Manjammad Iiruvar Temple, Niduvapuram |
| 27 February 2025 | Trikaripur | Chathamthi Amala |
| 03 March 2025 | Arayi | Kanimchanthand Temple, Allott |
| 04 March 2025 | Kanhangad | Kannooth Bhagavathi Temple, Thoyammal |
| 04 March 2025 | Panaylur | Alangodan Tharavadu, Kurumbalam |
| 06 March 2025 | Payyanur | Porkkali Kalath |
| 10 March 2025 | Kanhangad | Pamamparambath Ara, Kuninyam |
| 15 March 2025 | Achamthuruthi | Ottakolam |
| 20 March 2025 | Trikaripur | Olavara Mundya |
| 21 March 2025 | Eleri | Mapalligath Tharavad |
| 22 March 2025 | Kanhangad | Muthamparanakavu, Kovval Store |
| 23 March 2025 | Neeleswaram | Allikkara Bhagavathi Temple |
| 24 March 2025 | Neeleswaram | Pattlok Kottayoor |
| 25 March 2025 | Uppilikkal | Veattickara Makan Madam |
| 31 March 2025 | Pachikkara | Mookambu Kavu, Korakkaramkott |
| 12 April 2025 | Mellapur | Manakkunnu Vishekam Lordsherry Temple |
| 14 April 2025 | Themachagad | Mungathu Tharavad |
| 20 April 2025 | Payyanur | Veattokarukam Kovil, Kunhimangalam |
| 22 April 2025 | Neeleswaram | Kayakkel Temple, Podeothurukal |
| 23 April 2025 | Madikkai | Madikkai Tharavad |
| 24 April 2025 | Pullur | Ashtagriha Temple |
| 25 April 2025 | Payyanur | Veattikottu Tharavad |
| 26 April 2025 | Analishwaram | Dadakkakkan Tharavad |
| 28 April 2025 | Reliswaram | Maninnakka Tharavad Temple |
| 29 April 2025 | Kootuparambu | Kodakathuboth Kavu, Thalichalam |
| 30 April 2025 | Kannamangad | Koyitikatth Bhagavathy Temple |
| 02 May 2025 | Manikulangara | Kadangalath Temple |
| 03 May 2025 | Payyanur | Araun Tharavad |
| 05 May 2025 | Nelliparamba | Vanavalliyil Tharavad |
| 06 May 2025 | Thalikkottur | Orikkalum Tharavad |
| 07 May 2025 | Trikaripur | Perammumbad Temple |
| 10 May 2025 | Kanhangad | Parakkandan Tharavad, Kozhummal |
What makes Theyyam in Kerala remarkable
Kerala Theyyam is a ritual dance form which brings to life the great stories of the state. Theyyam is not just an art or dance form or a ritual but it is a possessed performance; the performer or the artist is processed by the spirit of God and does the unexpected and unbelievable. Once Theyyam is done, it is meant to bring peace and prosperity to the people. It is believed that calling out to God and God answering them will remove all the hazards in their lives.
It is an ancient dance form and a precursor to the more stylized and less vigorous Kathakali. Steeped in ancient history it is a wonderful mix of the ethnographic influences in the state of Kerala. The Theyyam performances are held in clan groups and all the members get their resources together and have it conducted year after year within a dwindling availability of money and the exaggerated moral responsibility of keeping the traditions alive for their ancestors and their family names.
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Theyyam talks about tales that convey messages and put forth eye-popping acts but it is not a performance for the sake of entertainment. It creates a greater reality and takes the viewers to another space. This mythological play is a wonder striking ritual that drags people from every corner of the world to Kerala.
Assuming the form of God, man appeases them and it is believed that in return for this ritual, God guarantees them prosperity and peace to the society. The communities that perform belong are Malayan, Vannan, Mavilan, Munnoottan, Velan, Pulayar, Kopalar, and Anjunnoottan, etc.
Theyyam dance is performed to worship Hindu Goddess Kali for which it is also known as ‘Kaliyattam’. The overall effect of Theyyam dance is distinctly supernatural and that is precisely the point.
Gods & Deities associated with Theyyam in Kerala
Muchilot Bhagavathi, Kannankattu Bhagavati, Raktha Chamundi, Madayil Chamundi, Vishnumoorthi, Kundora Chamundi, Puliyoor Kali, and Puliyoor Kannan are the common deities of the ritual art form. Though there are different deities associated with the act, Muchilot Bhagavati is the chief goddess. Each deity has a different story to narrate.
Theyyam Performance
Theyyam in Kerala is generally performed in front of the village shrine and does not have a particular stage or curtains; It is out in the open. The devotees and the gathering or the crowd are spread around the performance or seated in the tree nearby.
Performances of the different deities are performed for about 12 to 24 hours with certain intervals. The dancers and the drummers recite the song and there is a huge clash of colors and voices that keep the viewers glued to their positions. IT is not just a clam performance, but one with vigor and passion.
The face paintings are diverse and some of the patterns are Prazkkezhuthu, Kattaram, Vairadelam, Kottumpurikam, and Kozhipushpam. The contrasting colors and their saturation gives life to the performer.
We can see a whole new person not just because of the performance but also because of the looks they have. The looks have a deepening effect on the performance. The peculiar makeup, the loud voices, the striking music, and the energetic performance of the artist wins hearts and also the blessings of the Gods and Goddesses.
Theyyam dance is unique, powerful and a divine splendor to watch. Theyyam dance has an aura of divine splendor as it is accompanied by rituals and other devotional hymns.
Attractions of Theyyam in Kerala
From peculiar makeup to blood sacrifices, everything about Theyyam in Kerala grabs attention and keeps viewers rooted to their positions. This ritualistic art form is not just another tourist attraction but a devoted act done to please the Gods. The ritual is believed to bring in the best of times for the devotees and that the Gods will clear them off all their hurdles and dangers.
The act is sometimes not believable to the eyes, as there are fire and bloodshed. The one possessed does the unimaginable. Jumping into the fire, hurting oneself with swords; there is a greater emotion than just a dance performance. This ritualistic art leaves the spectators spellbound and that is why it is a major attraction in North Malabar.
People from all over the world come to witness this majestic performance of Theyyam because of the cultural richness it upholds. Documentaries, movies, articles, so much have covered the importance and beauty of Theyyam. Most people have also turned their lives to this incredible performance that they have become Theyyam artists.
Ultimately it is an economic issue whether this great dance form will survive or not. The Theyyam dances are performed by distinct caste and communities and it is they who will over a period of time decide whether they would continue to perform the dances or better opportunities and employment will take them elsewhere. The Theyyam celebrations are expensive affairs and it is a tough job for the vast majority of the clans to keep it going.
The courageous believers are all set to perform Theyam not to please the viewers or devotees but to please his Lord, to please the One who has granted him life. Theyyam is a feeling. It is a feeling of the community to their Gods. It is a feeling that brings together different sects of people. It is a feeling that binds one belief – the supernatural.
Theyyam in North Kerala feasts your ears with the hypnotic chants and rhythmic drumbeats as well as your eyes with the colorful pageantry and vigorous dance moves.
Plan a trip to Kerala and never miss a chance to feast your eyes with the divine splendor of Theyyam performance and fill your soul with divinity.
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