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! :)