Theyyam Tourism

THEYYAM TOURISM

Gods come near to devotees. They speak to them, hug them with immortal blessing. Here the distance of heaven and earth dissolves, in nature. The fame, God’s own country, which Kerala possess for many centuries, becomes literally specific too in such situations. Theyyam festival has begun in Northern districts of Kerala. Kaliyattom and Thirayattoms mark the Kavu festivals of Northern Malabar. Theyyam, said to be part of Kerala’s folk art is rich in its colour, light, and performance. There is dance, art, story telling and fortune-telling ceremonies incorporated with Theyyam. The interaction of deities with devotees is a marvelous sight of Malabar villages.

Teyyam, Theyyam

Theyyam Kaliyatam

The Theyyam can be characterized as a dance form glorifying the Theyyam, or deity, who is believed to bless and arbitrate amongst the people of the villages. The men who perform the Theyyam ritual, after extensive mental, physical and spiritual preparations "become" deities representing both male and female gods. Wearing spectacular costumes and headdresses and with their human features hidden behind heavy mask-like make-up, they enter a shrine to make the final transformation from performer to divine being. The defining moment comes when the performer gazes into a mirror and sees not his own made-up face but the reflection of the deity. Once this line has been crossed, devotees can directly approach, honor and question a deity belonging to an extraordinary pantheon of divine beings, consisting not only of gods and goddesses but also of deified ancestors, warrior heroes, animals, ghosts and spirits.

teyyam, Theyyam

Theyyam Festival in Kerala

Kaliyattom and Thirayattoms mark the Kavu festivals of Northern Malabar. Theyyam, said to be part of Kerala’s folk art is rich in its colour, light, and performance. There is dance, art, story telling and fortune-telling ceremonies incorporated with Theyyam. The interaction of deities with devotees is a marvelous sight of Malabar villages.Hundreds of thousands of deities around Malabar is appearing before the believers during the season which begin in February. Those who live outside the villages return home with nolstagic memories if the unique celebrations during the Theyyam festivals. Sleepless nights and restless days would become a special mark of the cultural extravaganza.Theyyam and Thira forms of art thus become a blend of devotion and folk culture; a spectacular festival of northern villages. Deities in the temples come along with Karanavars of tharavad to celebrate the festivals. Visit www.theyyamcalendar.com for more details.

Theyyam Pictures

Theyyam Pictures

Theyyam Tourism

Theyyam Tourism

The resonant past and plenty of myths and legends have earned Kannur, capital of the ancient Vadakkan Kolathiri Kingdom, the name 'the crown of Kerala'. The virgin and clean beaches at Payyambalam, Meenkunnu and Kizhunna are a tourist's paradise. One could lose oneself riding into the sunset at Kerala's only drive-in beach at Muzhippilangadi. Kannur has many monuments which were chief residences and control centers during the days when British and Europeans invaded the land. There are many well known churches and temples, one even dedicated to the serpent god. Parassinikadavu, a temple in Kannur, is open to all and is the only place where one can see the famous art form of Theyyam performed everyday. The famous snake park in Kannur is unique to it and the demonstrations there are quite popular.

teyyam, theyyam

THEYYAM KERALA

The word, theyyam, can bring forth in the mind of a listener a fascinating, as well as a colorful picture, particularly, its charming attires, superb dance and enchanting music, and equally important, the commitment of the people. It is also true that as far as the people of North Malabar are concerned, the word, theyyam, has more than one meaning. According to them, the teyyam is everything. Absolutely they believe that, it is their present, past and future, as far as their society is concerned. More than that, teyyam is culture, tradition, and environmental relationship. The devotees worship and perform teyyam, as an indispensable part of their religion, magic, and even politics.

Theyyam, teyyam

Teyyam, Theyyam

Theyyam, one of the popular folk traditions in North Malabar of Kerala, is famous for its vividness, and passion of people, and it is admirable in nature. The Teyyam or Teyyattam is a popular cult in Malabar which has become an inseparable part of the religion of the village folk. As a living cult with centuries-old tradition, ritual and custom it embraces almost all castes, classes and divisions of Hindu community in this region.

Teyyam is a magico-riligious observance. It is highly conditioned by myth. Such is the nature of theyyam and its powerful consequences. The very word teyyam brings forth in the mind of a listener an enchanting and beautiful picture. Nevertheless, in the case of the people of North Malabar, the word has more than one meaning . It is an indispensable part of their religion, and they observe it as their guide and protector. The believers who hold its ire bear woes and its blessing gifts for their well being. There are male and female teyyams. According to their nature, and myth in particular, it is possible to classify teyyams into different types namely, teyyams of God and Goddess, Ancestors, Heroes and Heroines, Spirits and Devils, and Nature or Animals. More details pls visit www.theyyamcalendar.com