Theyyam Festival

THEYYAM FESTIVAL

Theyyam , a colourful ritual dance of Kerala that attributes great importance to the worship of heroes and ancestral spirits, is a socio-religious ceremony. The Theyyam festival usually held in from October to May every year. The colourful pageantry, the enthusiastic crowd and the religious favor are all worth witnessing. Every village in North Kerala was bound to perform it in connection with the local shrine (Kavu). Theyyams are performed before the shrines. This sacred dance is believed to bring about well being for the society and the family. Theyyam also called Kaliyattom, presents divine forms as well as heroes from history and myth. Each Kolam has very stylized and specific forms, each with its own specific representative as pat. The awe inspiring features are painted with craftsmanship and artistry which by itself, is a unique tradition. Many of the Kolams take 3 to 5 hours to prepare. The figure of each Kolam is bound by the rules and structures laid down by tradition. Each Kolam also has very special colours, crown , headdress, breastplates, arm ornaments, bangles, garland, woolen or cotton garments. They are all elaborately furnished and singularly shaped.