Theyyams

Theyyam also known as Thira is the ritualistic performing art of North Kerala, especially in the districts Kasaragod, Kannur and some parts of Kozhikode district. It is performed to please the Gods/Goddesses and performed at the dedicated place for the deity- temple, sacred grove, ancestral homes etc. Theyyam festival (Kaliyaattam) is held annually once in almost all these dedicated places.

Theyyam incorporates dance, music, craft etc and enshrines the rudiments of ancient tribal cultures which attached great importance to the worship of heroes and the spirits of ancestors. According to scholars about 400 plus Theyyam characters are performed, of that some of the characters like Muchilottu Bhagavathi, Raktha Chamundi, Vishnumoorthy, Muthappan, Gulikan, Vayanattu Kulavan, Puthiya Bhagavathi etc are popular deities and  perform in many venues.

'Thudangal' (the beginning) and 'Thottam' (the invocation) are the introductory rituals of the Theyyam Festival. The headgear and other ornamental decorations are spectacular in sheer size and appearance. Generally the season for Theyyams festivals is from November to May, every year.

Kannadippara Muthappan Madappura: This is one of the rare temples where Muthappan Theyyam is performed almost every day. The performance of Muthappan Vellattam, a form of Theyyam starts by 12 noon and continue for more than an hour. Free meals are served to all the devotees then. You can also watch the makeup, costuming etc if you reach one hour before. The temple is at Kannadippara, near Cheruvathur.