Journey Through The Sacred Art
It is predominantly performed in North Malabar, including the Kannur district, areas of Kasargod, Wayanad, and the northern regions of the Kozhikode district, as well as some areas of Karnataka state. The primary traditional performers of the Theyyam are from the Malayan and Vannan communities, which are categorized as Scheduled Castes. Although performers also come from other minor communities, these two are considered the chief performers.
Muchilottu Theyyam
Most families and communities in North Malabar have their family deity as a Theyyam. Each village also has a Theyyam as their village god. It is performed in houses and temples, either as an annual festival or as a special offering to the deity on particular occasions. There are nearly 400 different Theyyams, categorised as major and minor ones. These performances primarily honour major goddesses and gods, tree gods, mountain gods, warriors, soldiers, and sub-deities such as forest gods (Vana Murtis) and hunting gods (Nayattu Devatha). There are also performances for minor characters such as Pottan (deaf and dumb) and Muthala (crocodile). Some of the major ones include Muchilottu Bhagavathy (representing Goddess Kali), Kathivannur Veeran, Uchila, Karim Chamundi, and Muthappan. Alongside Hindu deities and characters, it also incorporates various Muslim characters like Bappiriyan, Ummachi and Aalibhootham which shows the inter cultural acceptance and development of the art-form, as it transcends religious differences.
The season starts from the tenth day of the Malayalam month of Thulaam (usually mid-October) and lasts until the middle of Edavam month (typically late May).
Kaliyattam is the term used for grand performances arranged in temples or by prominent families. In some temples, the festival is conducted at intervals of 12 or more years, known as Perumkaliyattam. It is a synthesis of ritualistic dance, instrumental music, dance, painting, sculpture and literature, embodying the rich cultural heritage of North Malabar, which is still highly accepted and protected by the local community. It has gained recognition as an important part of the intangible heritage of Kerala.
