Theyyam, is the ancient dance ritual form of worship in North Malabar, Kerala. This is also the only platform in India, where the lower caste and upper caste mingle in worship of deities.
I have seen Theyyam on few occasions in the past. Likewise, this year also, I sat in the midst of all those who had assembled from far and near to witness Theyyam at the newly constructed KP Tharavadu house. Theyyam invokes, even today, a sort of awe, because, behind all its colourful glory, remains a deep mystery.. ..mystery, because, hardly anyone around had any idea what's going on or the facts behind each of the performance... which God was coming next, who is playing now, why this, why that... these queries had no answers from many who had gathered.
yet, all is not lost. There were a few who knew it all... and they were enjoying... the beauty of each moment being enhanced by their in-depth knowledge.
as opposed to seeing the performance, shrouded in ignorance and mystery... thanks to the cyber-world, there is a wealth of information on the net. A google search of "Theyyam" will give finer details... yet, some information from our home turf seem relevant here.
It was this fundamentals that I tried to seek, to share with you all, so that the next time around, there is a better awareness of the happenings and the background. what I am sharing is but the tip of a whole mountain of intricate details.. it is up to anyone to explore and go deeper.
Theyyam.
'Adayalam' is the first significant step towards conducting Theyyam. This is to obtain confirmation of performers for Theyyam.
The performers are from specific community - such as -
a. Vanan - authorised to perform Bhagawathy alone (besides Mutthappan)
b. Malayan - all other performers (5).
c. Kalasakkaran - (komaram)
Each of above is duly authorised to perform by their respective Jammari, the person who gives permission to these performers - each of the jammari is given kolupanam (money for performance)... it is said, only in Kerala, do the lower caste performers join hands with upper caste in this form of worship, which is a ritual dating back to thousands of years.
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tradition.
On the morning of Theyyam, it is customary to offer "neyyu amruthu" vazhipadu at the Taliparamba Raja Rajeswara Temple. This comes in two brass jars, which are offered to the deity Sivan, at the steps of the 'srikovil'.
females should keep this at the entrance step of the temple from outside, as females are not allowed to enter this temple. they can enter only after 8pm or during sivarathri festival.
An offering of 'payasam' at the Kizhakkekara Srikrishna temple also has to be done.
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The prelude to Theyyam is the preliminary performances called Vellattam, Thottam ( pronounced as in "thottupoyi"...failed )
Vellattam is performed by Bairavan, Kuttichattan, Korathiamma, Gulikan.
Thottam is performed by Bhagawathy, Pottan deivam.
while vallattam is a performance without the proper Theyyam head gear, Thottam is only rendering of slokas before the respective deity in the kotttam area ( the enclosure where all the Gods are placed ).
This is followed by the actual Theyyam performance, the first being always Bhagawathy..
this is also the highlight of the whole ceremony, emblazoned with lighting of fire wicks around the head gear and all around the dress..
a chicken is sacrificed towards the end of Bhagawathy's performance.
Bhagawathy is followed by Kuttichattan, Bhairavan, Pottan Deivam, Gulikan and finally Korathiamma, in that order.
Each has its own features, the highlights being,
Pottan Deivam is known to lie down on a heap of smouldering ashes and fire.
Gulikan's headgear is about 10' high with which he falls down on his back and gets up effortlessly.
Bhagawathy artist changes the costume after the performance and consultation, while all the other Theyyam artists remain in the courtyard long after their respective performance... each engaged in one to one consultation, prophesy sayings, remedy for overcoming obstacles etc.
Towards the end, Pottan Deivam and Korathiamma, signifying Sivan and Parvathy go around the village escorted by a Tharavadu elder, to visit the Tharavadu member's residences. It is customary during this visit, both are seated facing the puja room, offered milk and a "drink" ; this was pure toddy earlier (also known as Amruthu or elixir of life )... now substituted by IMF liquor.... no wonder then, that the artists specify in advance how many bottles they want and when... the 'spirit' of the entire performance ignited by the measures downed before or during the performance.
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Readers are welcome to add more personal information to this brief, so that I can compile one in-depth article on Theyyam, for a better comprehension of the nuances ... and appreciate Theyyam better in future.
MOHANDAS. KP.
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