Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Theyyam - A vibrant ritual dance from North Kerala
| Dear Readers, I have just started a blog to write about Indian heritage, culture, art forms etc. The first post is about Theyyam which is a folk-art form being performed at the Northern parts of Kerala State, South India. Normally the Theyyam festival is being celebrated between October and May. Known as the divine dance, Theyyam with its elaborate costume and surreal magic is largely performed in temples, where the performer(Theyyam) acts as a medium between the deity and devotee. Just have a look at the photo of Kshethrapalan Theyyam.  Kerala, the Gods Own Country, is rich in folk-culture, visual arts and festivals. One of the most important ritual art form is Theyyam. It is mainly performed at the northern parts of Kerala (mainly Kannur and Kasaragod districts), south India. It is a combination of music and dance and shows great features of a tribal culture. People at these districts considers Theyyam as God. Theyyam is also described as an artistic dance form where metaphysical thoughts and expressions of immortal souls are impersonated to a believer through a mortal body. Theyyam is generally performed in front of the village shrines called Kavu, Sthanam, Mundya, Koolom, Kshethram etc . It is also performed in the houses as ancestor worship with elaborate rite and rituals. There is no stage or curtain and other arrangements for the performance. The audience would be standing or some of them would be sitting in front of the shrine. Normally the first part of the Theyyam performance is known as vellattam or thottam. It is performed without proper make-up or decorative costume. Only a small red dress is worn during this performance. The dancer along with drummers (Chenda, Ilathalam, Kuzhal etc) recites the Thottam Pattu (particular ritual song). Thottam describes the myths and legends of the particular deity of the shrine or the folk deity to be propitiated. This is accompanied by the playing of folk musical instruments. After finishing this primary ritualistic part of the invocation the dancer returns to the Palliyara(green room). After some time he appears with face painting, make-up and costumes. The perofomer comes in front of the shrine and gradually “metamorphosises” as the particular deity. He, after observation of certain rituals start the vibrant steps/dance. In the background folk musical instruments like chenda, kuzhal, ilathalam and veek are played with rhythm. It is at this point that, almost imperceptibly, he slips into another state of being, his eyes widening as they focus not on his own reflection, but on the enigmatic features of a divine being. It is the moment when a mortal becomes a god.The unique quality of Theyyam is that it can manifest themselves in the bodies of empowered men as dancer-performers, and appear before their devotees while interacting with them by answering questions. Those who wish to visit Kerala and watch theyyam may contact the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (www.ktdc.com) or the District Tourism Promotion Council (DPTC), Kannur (www.dtpckannur.com). You can reach DTPC, Kannur by phone ++91-497-2706336 and email info@dtpckannur.com Watch theyyam from Cherukunnu Panchikeel Kottam click below:- Video Courtesy: Balabhaskaran Labels: Folklore, Ritual Dance, Theyyam |
All the best
Excellent posts, this is a good way to promote our local culture and heritage , great work keep it up
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Really feel very happy to see the Panichickeel Theyyam. Panichickeel Kottam(Temple)has to be re-build as per the advice of astologer. Wish all the best for the renovation. Thank you Balabaskaretten.
UnnikrishnanT.P.
Aiswarya
Edekkepuram
presently in Doha-Qatar