Theyyam -A Closer Look on Dancing Gods

People recognize Kerala mostly for its scenic beauty, backwaters, spices and rich culture,
but also for its various ritual dance forms, one of which is Theyyam.
Theyyam is a traditional Hindu ritual dance form widely celebrated for decades by the people
of Kannur and Kasaragod situated in Northern Kerala. This happens from December (the
tenth day of the Malayalam month 'Thulam') to May. It is celebrated for three to five days with
great enthusiasm.

Mainly performed in the ‘Kavus' (Temples) or ancestral homes of certain communities like
Vaniyar, Thiyyar, etc. There are almost 400 varieties of Theyyam, all performed by males
except the Devakoothu Theyyam, which is performed only by women. (Sudhakaran, 2012)

‘Bhagavathi' (Folk gods and goddesses) is the most important Theyyam among all, and a
great myth lies behind this according to belief. It is still being practised due to the cultural
importance it holds within the people of the community. Since childhood, I have seen this
being performed in the open space of 'Kavu' mostly in front of the village shrine. Theyyam
artists follow certain practices before the showcase of the art form, where they serve fasting
and their meals are prepared separately. In the contemporary era, both men and women
perform their roles where the meal is cooked for the whole crowd coming to witness this
traditional ritual. The meal provided is 'Sadya'(consists of rice and various other traditional
vegetarian dishes) and 'Payasam' (kheer). Some of the most important rituals practised are
the cock fight, blood offerings and jumping on fire, which have also often led to
life-threatening situations.

Though upper-class and ruling-class families supported Theyyam, it was primarily an art
form performed by the lower caste or the tribal communities such as Malayan, Vannan and
Pulayan. Even the higher caste people will be forced to worship the Gods, who appear as
Theyyam. The costumes of Theyyam are bright red, with faces painted red and makeup
layered with kohl and turmeric paste. The ’Mudi’ (headdress)is a combination of red and
silver, with brass anklets and an ornate breastplate. (Bajpai & Suman Bajpai, 2022)The
Theyyam dancers are accompanied by a huge orchestra that consists of folk musical
instruments like Chenda, Kuzhal and Utukku with which ritual songs are recited which
describe the myths and legends of the deity. Theyyam dances are divided into two styles:
Thandavam and Laasya. Thandavam represents the masculine, while Laasya represents the
feminine. (“Theyyam | Art & Culture of Kerala | Kerala | Kerala”)

Beyond the aesthetic side of the performance, the blend of art, dance, music, culture, and
religious beliefs linked with Theyyam, also known as the "dance of Gods", has stimulated the
academic attention of scholars to investigate its unusual traits and historical and religious
beliefs. With over a thousand years of heritage, the pantheistic art style is founded in the
mythologies about animate subjects of reference such as trees, plants, serpents and animal
deities. (Mathew, Pandya, 2021) Caste inequality and untouchability, which expanded in
Kerala's northern region, culminated in the gradual emergence of a performance that
impacted those in the lower sections of society. The myths and legends become the
backbone of Theyyam performances because each one is unique. These tales, which serve
as the backdrop for the performances, are a direct and indirect manifestation of the former
social system, which continues to haunt the area's lower caste residents. Rather than
retelling classic epics, it depicts ordinary men and women who are elevated to the level of
deities via ceremonial performance. The idea of change during the performance represents
the glorification of regular people and their social standing.

Nowadays people irrespective of caste, religion and class takes part in Theyyam. This also
takes place in some parts of Karnataka. Theyyam lately has started to gain national and
international attention. People from different parts of the world come to the northern part of
Kerala to learn about its culture and also to celebrate this with the indigenous people.

References

Sudhakaran, P. (2012, December 23). This year, Devakoothu gets a new face. The Times of
India.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/this-year-devakoothu-gets-a-new-face/arti
cleshow/17735370.cms

Bajpai, S., & Suman Bajpai, M. B. (2022, April 26). Theyyam: The Dance of Gods. India
Currents from http://indiacurrents.com/theyyam-the-dance-of-gods/

“Theyyam | Art & Culture of Kerala | Kerala | Kerala.” Kerala All about Kerala and Beyond,
Kerala Tourist Information,
https://kerala.me/specialities/art-and-culture/theyyam

Mathew, R., & Pandya, D. (2021, October 25). Carnivalesque, Liminality and Social
Drama: Characterising the Anti-Structural Potential of Theyyam.
https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v13n3.28.