Enchanted Entity

For the most recent ‘Theyyam’ I had  witnessed, I noticed people using a few  western musical instruments during the play. There came a part where the Theyyam enacted  the ‘Devas’ celebrating  victory after their harsh encounter with their opponents. The song that they played was familiar to my ears to which ‘Devas’  danced with joy.. It took some time for me to realize that it was a filmy song to which the ‘Theyaam’  had set it’s feet lose to! The band had all smiles while playing it,while the onlookers gave our ovation!

They  used bagpipes,bassoon and bongo drums this time that bought in a tinge of westernized taste combined with  traditional songs.(u can spot the instruments in the video i've captured and attached along)

Some of the songs used in ‘Theyyam’ reflect certain episodes from the local history. The medieval heroes like Thacholi Othenan were characters from local history.They were defied and worshipped for their heroism.There were ‘Goddesses’ Puthiya Bhagavathy and Makkam who were the contrary heroines of tragic stories.

To brief a story,Makkam was considered to be an immortal woman by her beloved brothers.The jealousy of their wives made her a victim of their suspicion.She along with her children were dropped in a well by the brothers.Later she was elevated as a Goddess and she was a chaste woman.

This story from the local family history provided the theme for ‘Theyyam Goddesses.’ Many other stories like this could be traced from the myths and legends of several ‘Theyyam Goddesses’ with deep roots in local history.

The next time you feel your tourist guide has missed out on something surreal, head to The Malabar side of ‘God’s own country’ and know more about this special art form that will always be cherished by Northern Keralites… Good time! :)

It is metaphorically ‘The God’s own country’

I take the pride now in getting u know more about this indigenous cult that is treasured in the districts of Kasaragod and Kannur.

There are around 400 ‘Theyyams’ in Northern Kerala,each one having  its own epic stories and myths.

If one form has a distinguishing headgear, the other one would have an extraordinary performing style.According to Keralolpathi,a famous historical book,Parasu Rama sanctioned the festival like Kaliyattam to the people of Kerala. Kaliyattom means Theyyattom or Devattom,which lasts for 3-11 days.He assigned the responsibility of  ‘Theyyam’ dance to some very enclosed communities like Panan,Velan,Vannan and Malayan.

Taken in my village during the festive

I remember this instance where a group of village folks had bought home this cock whose legs were tied that struggled itselves to move out of their tightly held fists. What role did this bird play in the sequence of the entire ritual? The cock blood was offered along with some cereals and red flowers to the ‘Theyyam.’These rituals are responsible as being believed for the blessings of the super nature for prosperity in men and women,cattle and wealth.

The spark and my Lurch..

It was one such a day when my Dad held my little finger and invited me to go with him to a place. He told me that he was taking me to see The "God" in real.. I took the pride in being the eldest at home as I was the fortunate one this time more than my sister to witness the “God” in real much  before she did.

I asked him too many questions on the way to kill my innocent curious mind,but for all of them he smiled back and told me to pray well and hold his hands tight till we got back.

He crossed even the temple and we kept walking till we reached one of our ancestral homes that looked  so huge and had so many people young and old welcoming the both of us. My eyes still searched for the "God" we came to see. All I had to do was wait till it was time . In a spur of a minute my eyes caught a red Flashy Thing running towards the house and everybody rising from their seats with their palms closed. I was frightened because what I saw was not the way "God" was supposed to look, but a human form painted fully red with bizarre head dress, ornated with huge accessories everywhere and  expression so ferocious that all I wanted to do was rush to my Dad with blurry eyes.

This scene could be vague now if I try to recollect it in my mind.That was the first time I saw “Theyyam-“

The word "Theyyam" originated from ‘Daivam’ means nothing but "God". This outstanding ancient form of North Kerala which we proudly and solely own   ..

A quench for a delighted vacation

The tedious Dubai schooldays  and piled up homework were two most important reasons to why I used to look forward for those heavenly bunch of summer holidays..Well,I was just probably in my second grade then and I can freshly remember the excitement myself and my sister had, to pack our funny looking shoulder bags,stuff them with digests,something to munch onto from the airplanes,some newly bought toys to show off backhome  and that’s all a vacation meant! Kerala is where we spent most of our holidays.

North Kerala to be specific in the Malabar regions. 


 The notion that we shared  about our hometown was so concise. The place where our parents were raised was indeed very fascinating  for how the kids used to set off to school walking miles,no heavy trolley bags running behind but only a handy black slate and pencil, the vegetable vendor ringing his four legged vehicle bell once he arrives, the morning ragas from the nearby temples before the sun rises,the starry eyes with which the young school going kids used to peep through our house to get a glimpse of two young visitors from abroad.. Honestly my sis and I used to enjoy the attention. As we grew,this still remained confined and there wasn’t anything else except the monsoon rains that brought a difference to it.