Theyyam

Theyyam is a ritual art form that exists in North Kerala, like the Padayani of Central Kerala. It originated from the art form called Kaliyattam that existed in ancient Kerala. The initiative for this reform was taken by the king of Kolathunadu, Kolathiri. The Theyyam that he invented in Kolathunadu was transformed into Thira in the neighboring kingdom of Kozhikode and its surroundings. Kolathiri invented thirty-nine Theyyams with the help of his friend Manakkadan Gurus. Theyyams are performed in conjunction with festivals in the Kavus and other places. Theyyam is the original form of the word 'God'. The specialty of this ritual art is that gods and goddesses, Yakshagandharvavadis, ghosts, animals, snakes, ancestors, heroes, etc. are tied up and worshipped in the form of kolas in the concept of deities. The purpose of Theyyam is to please the desired deity. The songs sung for Theyyam are called Thotampattu. The performance of Theyyam at a specific time every year in the Kavus and Tharavads is called Kaliyattam. The costumes of Theyyam are mostly made of pala, kurutthola, and vazhapola. The attam is accompanied by the chenda. The leaf-drum, kurunguzhal, horn, and thudi are also used.