What is so special about Theyyam? The first thing that comes out as an answer is colour. Then comes the rhythm. It's more than worship. It yells out the socio-cultural remains of a society. It has the colour of pain, chivalry, helplessness, hope, resistance, satire and countless other shades. Theyyam, Theyyattam or Thira is a popular ritual art of worship of North Malabar in Kerala, India. It is predominant in the Kolathunadu area (consisting of present-day Kasargod, Kannur Districts, Mananthavady Taluk of Wayanad and Vadakara and Koyilandy Taluks of Kozhikode of Kerala) and also in Kodagu and Tulu nadu of Karnataka. The performers of Theyyam belong to the lower class community, and have an important position in Theyyam. They are also known as 'malayanmar'.People of these districts consider Theyyam itself as a God and they seek blessings from this Theyyam. A similar custom is followed in the Tulu Nadu region of neighbouring Karnataka known as Bhuta Kola.
Let's navigate through some of the magnificent colours of theyyam. These pictures are taken from Kannur in January 2014....
|
Viswakarma Temple, Varam, Kannur |
|
Gulikan |