Some of the legendary stories of Kerala are unknown to the modern era. Various art forms introduce them to the new generation. Theyyam is one such form of art that originated in Kerala. Mostly it is home to northern Kerala and brings life to some of the greatest stories of Kerala. Moreover it is a perfect combination of dance, mime, and music. It speaks about the belief of the ancient tribals who gave much importance to the workshop of heroes and the ancestorship.
The dance form is accompanied by instruments like chenda, Elathalam, Kurumkuzhal and Veekkucheda. There are a lot of Theyyam categories, all around Kerala with their own music, style and choreography. The most prominent among these are Raktha Chamundi, Kari Chamundi, Muchlottu Bhagavathi, Wayanadu Kuaven, Guilkan and Pottan.
A Divine Art Form of Power
Every art in Theyyam depicts a hero who possesses massive power. The performers wear heavy make-up and adorning costumes. The headgear and ornaments are highly majestic and can create wonders in the viewer’s eyes. The season for Theyyam in Kerala starts from the month of December and can extend to April. Normally, organizers conduct the Theyyam performance annually. It gives a view that for the eyes but also it gives awareness about the traditions, and culture of our state. People consider Theyyam characters godly and worship them.It can also result in blood offering too.
The theyyam reenacts in ritualistic expressions the life of those personalities who laid their lives for a social cause and are termed as social satires. This versatile traditional art form is still a time-honored religious ritual alive inn Malabar.
Fiery Face : Gods can be fiersome when tested
Be alert : Be alerts, as the god disposes
On region of fire : Be alert, as the god disposes
When the potten theyyam enters for a performance, the crowds gathered are in a state of breathless anxiety. It is a performance worth watching. In Pottan Theyyam performance, performers enact a part on fire. When the Theyyam begins to perform, they believe spiritual power from God strengthens him, enabling him to lie and dance on the fire. He is a frenzied spell, dressed in stands of tender coconut leaves tied around the body, the anklets jingle in an alarming rhythm.
In Kannur and kasargod Districts, the Pottentheyyam performance is a religious ritual and is being performed in many temples annually. Landlords believe that pottan theyyam will bring prosperity to their region.
Copyrights: All the photos and text in this post are copyright of Gokul Somarajan, Ernakulam and Creative Hut Institute of Photography and Film. Their reproduction, full or part, is forbidden without the explicit approval of rightful owners.
