Theyyam Festival

History of Theyyam

Theyyam (Malayalam: തെയ്യം‍) or Theyyattam or Thira is a popular Hindu ritual form of worship of North Malabar in Kerala state, India, predominant in the Kolathunadu area (consisting of present-day Kasargod, Kannur Districts, Mananthavady Taluk of Wayanad and Vadakara & Koyilandy Taluks of Kozhikode of Kerala state. As a living cult with several thousand-year-old traditions, rituals and customs, it embraces almost all the castes and classes of the Hindu religion in this region. The performers of Theyyam belong to the indigenous tribal community, and have an important position in Theyyam. This is unique, since only in Kerala, do both the upper-caste Brahmins and lower-caste tribals share an important position in a major form of worship. The term Theyyam is a corrupt form of Devam or God. 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

 

Theyyam is a traditional ritualistic performance art form that originated in the northern part of Kerala, India. It is an integral part of the region’s culture and is performed as a form of worship to the divine. Here are some key aspects and elements associated with Theyyam:

  1. Origin and Significance: Theyyam dates back several centuries and is believed to have originated from tribal rituals and folklore. It combines elements of dance, music, and dramatic storytelling to depict various gods, goddesses, and ancestral spirits. Theyyam is considered a medium through which the divine presence can be invoked and propitiated.