Theyyam

District:                  Kasaragod


Hightlights:

Theyyam is a spectacular ritual art of Kerala popular in the northern districts. Theyyam derives its name from the word Daivam, which means God.

In this art form, the dancer himself is conceived as the deity. Theyyam has its roots running deep in the tradition of hero worship. The folk element of Theyyam is very much evident in its costume, foot work and ritualistic vitality.

The costume of the Theyyam performer is captivating. It comprises of a large headgear and body decorations full of intricate and mystical designs

The essence of Theyyam is in the Manthra by its incremental repetition. It brings us a super temporal  feeling in spite of its inherent relationship with real life at its inception. The articulate creation of masks and gears from natural sources are intended to make unknowns to known and unattainable to real. The dancer recreates its mythical and ritualistic imagination and systematically delivers the right moods through his body posters. The performer of Theyyam gets himself completely into the artistic rhythm. Even when the dancer breaks coconut against his forehead, cuts his forehead with the sword, or wears red-hot iron chain on his body as a mark of self-torture, he never goes out of rhythm.

A variety of Theyyam performances will be featured in the festival. Some of the main Theyyams are Vayanattu Kulavan, Gulikan, Puliyoor Kannan, Kathivanoor Veeran, Chamundi, Vishnumoorthy etc.

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