Theyyam is an emotion for a community of cosmopolitan culture. At the beginning of the retreating monsoon of India, Kerala will be set to begin its season of Theyyam which lasts till June. Theyyam is the symbol of the rich heritage of Kerala that has influenced people for ages transporting them to a state of trance with the Theyyam.
Theyyam is an ancient, vibrant, and ritualistic dance form performed in rural temples and the sacred groves called ‘kavu’ in the northern Malabar region of Kerala. It is also prevalent in some parts of coastal Karnataka, where it is called Bootha Kolam. It is also called Kaliyattam, which is a unique blend of dance, music, and intricate costumes that turn humans into gods. Theyyam stands as a unique and fascinating cultural treasure that has been passed down through generations, maintaining its ritualistic and artistic significance.
A man dressed up for performing theyyam; (Source – flickr.com)
Origin of Theyyam
Theyyam is an art form developed since ancient times, as the details are prevalent in the folklore. The Keralolpathi, a historical document, quotes about the origin of the ritual art of Theyyam. Parasurama is considered as the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu who blocked the advancing sea to save the land of Kerala through an axen sanctioned festivals like Kaliyattam, Puravela and Daivattam or Theyyattam to the people of the North Malabar region.
Theyyam originated from Kaliyattam. The indigenous tribal communities were handed over the responsibility to perform the Theyyam. Earlier, it was performed in various high-class families as a sponsored performance. Later on, it merged with the culture and has turned out to be the most common art form in every temple in the northern Malabar region – Kannur, Kasaragod, Wayanad, and Kozhikode. This art form is performed by people from Pulayar, Vannan, Malayan, Anhottan, Kalanaadi, and other tribes. It is performed as a part of a ritual; hence, the performers undergo a strict and intense preparation called ‘vrutham‘- a kind of fasting.
A man performing Theyyam amidst fire; (Source- India pictures)
Types of Theyyam
There are almost 400 varieties of theyyam performed across Kerala, like Pottan Theyyam, Kathivanoor Veeran, Vishnumoorthy Theyyam, Vettakkorumakan, etc. These yams are based on various temples, as the idols placed in various temples are considered to be different forms. This also specifically includes the worship of natural forces and spirits. Three important yams are listed below.
- Vishnumoorti -this is the most popular Vaishnava Theyyam. This theyyam is known for its loud and peculiar drum beats that can be heard up to 2 km surrounding the place of origin. The most important ritual in the Vishnumoorthi Theyyam is the Agnipravesham. This theyyam is based on the lord Narasimha – the 4th avatar of Vishnu.
- Kuttichathan – a minor deity or demi-god who is revered for his mischievous and playful nature. According to Hindu mythology, when Lord Shiva and Parvati took the form of Valluvan and Valluvathi, they had a son named Kuttichathan, who later became revered as God.
- Mappila theyyam – This theyyam is performed by the Muslim community related to the Mappila community. Here, the Muslim characters turn to god. This symbolises the cooperation and long history of Muslim migration to Kerala. This theyyam is usually performed in the district of Kasargod by the Mavilan, Koppalan and Vannan communities.
Kolam accompanied by Thayambaka; (Source:- Indic tours)
Features of Theyyam
One of the most striking features of Theyyam is the elaborate and vibrant costumes and makeup. The costumes are crafted with specific detail and are adorned with colourful fabrics, jewellery, and traditional ornaments. The makeup is called “chamayam,” involving intricate patterns and designs, and is an essential element in the transformation of the performer into the divine entity.
Music and other instruments play a vital role in the performance. The accompanying orchestra, known as the “Thayambaka”, comprises traditional instruments like chenda elathalam, veeku chenda, and kuzhal. This compliments the movements of the performer and adds to the mystical aura of the theyyam. Before the performance begins, an elaborate ritualistic preparation takes place. The performer, known as “Kolam”/ “Deivam,” undergoes a purification ceremony, seeking blessings from the deity or spirit and carrying the possessions of god, which provide it with a sacred essence. The performances take place in the vicinity of a temple where the kolam enters into a trance state.
Conclusion
Theyyam is not just an art; it is intricately linked with the social fabric and community of Kerala. It is also a symbol of the interaction between humans and god, providing a deep connection to the devotees to god and nature. It is also a stage for pain relief and mental peace to devotees by submitting all their pain and distress to god. Theyyam also forms a societal bond in the community through its transformative nature, oral tradition and aesthetic appeal.
Sources
- Kerala tourism
- Medium
- Indic today
- Hidden manthra
- BBC