THEYYAM – THE DANCE OF THE DIVINE GODS -
Location: Kannur(Land of Looms & lore’s) & Kasargod districts in Kerala- South West part of India.
Season-November to May
Theyyam means “ GOD” in Malayalam Language, and it’s an ancient traditional ritual dance of Malabar (Northern Kerala) region in India , originated in pre-historic periods, to propitiate Gods, Goddess , forefathers, Local heroes & heroin’s. Theyyam is a case of transformation of human into God at certain ritualistic and divine movements. . Its performance is an aura of divine splendour as it accompanied by rituals and other devotional hymns with traditional musical instruments.
Theyyam is very much a divine dance. Invoking god or goddess in his body, he dances through the compound of the sacred space where deities are worshipped. The dance is considered dance of the gods or goddesses themselves. The Centuries old ritual performance is a unique combination of dance, music and religious worship. It reflect the main features of local Tribal Culture, and Local people considered Theyyam itself as a God and they seek blessings from the same.
The appearance of Theyyam expose power and beauty of high order the patterns of the total design are geometric. Theyyam is decked with ornamentations made of wood, metal and bits of coloured cloths, wild flowers and tender fronds of coconut trees . The colourful facial painting composed of deft lines, exotic masks made of wood, metal or young green leaf of areca nut palm. The herbal colour applied with the ribs of fronds is unique.
They are performed in Temples, Kavu(shrines surrounded by small forests) and Tharavadu (Ancestral houses ). Theyyam performed Evening-late evenings –night early mornings and day times too.200+ varieties
Theyyam is not a stage performance- we need to visit the place where it is performing. Mostly in Kavu( small temples) ,ancestral homes and temples) both rural and urban areas.