What does Theyyam symbolize?
The term Theyyam is believed to be a corrupt form of ‘deivam’ meaning God. God is believed to enter the body of the Theyyam performer and, hence, believers consider him as a visible manifestation of God and seek blessings.
Is Theyyam a god?
Theyyam (Teyyam, Theyam or Theyyattam) is a popular ritual form of dance worship in Kerala and Karnataka. Theyyam consists of thousand-year-old traditions, rituals and customs. The people of these districts consider Theyyam itself as a channel to a god and they thus seek blessings from Theyyam.
Which is a popular form of worship in Kerala and Karnataka in which there are more than 400 types of dance forms that require no stage or curtain for its performance?
There are over 400 different types of Theyyam dances. Wayanad Kulaven, Muchilottu Bhagavathi, Raktha Chamundi and Kari Chamundi are some of the best Theyyam performances. Performers of Theyyam, who belong to the lower caste, dress as deities for the dance or invocation.
What is Theyyam in English?
Theyyam also called as Theyyattam has derived from the words Deyvam meaning God and Attam meaning dance. In short it means the dance of God. Kolathunaad which comprises of Kannur and Kasaragode area is famous for Theyyam. Theyyam is also called by several names such as Thira, Thirayaatam, Kaliyaattam etc.
How many types of Theyyam are there?
There are more than 400 different kinds of Theyyam in Kerala, India’s southernmost state. In simplest terms, Theyyam is a ritual art form so ancient it predates Hinduism (500 BCE), though it has since adapted to include Hindu elements.
Which district is known as the land of Theyyam?
Kannur
Kannur is dubbed as the City of Looms and Lores, thanks to the flourishing handloom industry and folk art called Theyyam. Theyyamis a ritualistic artform encompassing dance, music and mime, where the artist dons the guise of God.
Which district is also known as the land of the Theyyam?
Kannur is dubbed as the City of Looms and Lores, thanks to the flourishing handloom industry and folk art called Theyyam.
What is the difference between Theyyam and Thira?
Theyyams and Thiras are ritual dance performances performed in a kaavu(grove) or temple premises of Malabar area of North Kerala. While in theyyam ,the performer is deemed as God himself,in thira the performer is deemed as being possessed by God.
Why is Kannur famous for?
Kannur is dubbed as the City of Looms and Lores, thanks to the flourishing handloom industry and folk art called Theyyam. Theyyamis a ritualistic artform encompassing dance, music and mime, where the artist dons the guise of God. Kannur is believed to have got its name from being the land of Kannan or Krishna.
What is the story of Theyyam?
Theyyam is representative of a form of Hinduism practiced by the tribal communities since time immemorial. The Satvic rituals practiced by the Namboodiri Brahmins in temples co-existed with this tribal form of worship which involves liquor and meat as offerings to god.
How many types of Theyyam in Kerala?
Theyyam performances can be seen in northern parts of Kerala from October to May. The peak season to see Theyyam in Kerala is November and December. There are over 400 separate Theyyams, each with its own music, style and choreography.
Which is the land of theyyam?
Theyyam in North Malabar of Kerala is one amongst the famous ritual art forms of Kerala known for its uniqueness! Theyyam, otherwise known as Kaliyattam or Thirayattam, is one of the most outstanding folk arts of Kerala.
Why is Kannur important?
Kannur is believed to have got its name from being the land of Kannan or Krishna. True to the legend there are many famous temples in the region. The district is also famous for many alluring spots of interest including Payyambalam and Muzhuppilangadi beach, Arakkal museum, St. Angelo’s Fort etc.