Theyyam is a traditional ritual form of worship of Kerala, mostly associated with Malabar (north Kerala) region. Artists wear the costumes of Hindu mythological figures and heroes for this art form. Similar to many other traditional forms like Kathakali, its makeup is very important and needs extensive care. In Kozhikode and Wyanad Theyyam is performed with Thira festival too. Old Kolathunadu’s culture is deeply linked with Theyyam. People seek blessings from Theyyam performers, as it represents God.  

Theyyattam or Theyyam season (art form where Theyyam artists perform) begins with Malayalam month Thulam and ends just before monsoon. Apart from temples and Kavus, they are performed in traditional homes, paddy fields etc. There is a wide variation of this art form and people perform in different costumes. There are about 400 varieties of Theyyam.

Makeup for artists: Manayola, Kohl, Arichaand (coloured rice powder) and Chayilyam are the main items for face makeup. Manayola and turmeric mixed arichand is used to give yellow colour to face and body. Chayilyam mixed with coconut oil is used to give red colour to face. Kohl made from lamp carbon is used to draw eyes and eyebrows. Face makeup plays a significant role in exhibiting the real emotions of the character, the artist portrays. Meyyezhuthu is the term used for body makeup and draw suitable figures on body. Tender coconut leaf or coconut leaf stalk is used to draw pictures on body. A series of makeup items and costumes are used. They also wear tender coconut leaves around waist and in most cases anklets too.

The soul of deities enters the theyyam artist’s body with Thottampattu (a type of songs) with a rhythm. Thottampattu has three parts – Varavili, Polichu Paatt and Urachil Thottam. Polichu Paattu gives prosperity to the natives and village. Kolakaran wears red red, silk and turban and he prays before starting Thottampattu. A group of people belonging to his caste including females repeat his songs. In some cases, Thottampattu is also recited while Theyyam artists wear ornaments before their performance. Theyyam is performed by certain groups of scheduled castes and the character which they portray also differs according to their caste.

Kaliyattam – Theyyam performs at Kavu (a type of temples in Kerala) is called Kaliyattam and main character is goddess Kali. Perunkaliyattam is conducted grand once in every 12 years whih may include more than 100 theyyams. It needs a lot of preparations. Some kaliyattams are performed every year while a few others, once in three years. Kaliyattom begins with Elathu – a proclamation when ‘Komaram’ visits the Kavu premises and nearby homes with sword in hand, before the beginning of Kaliyattom.      

Article Posted By : Sandhya Rani  On September 25, 2014lView All Articles

Kerala, though a small state has a unique culture with so many interesting things

Article Source :

http://www.veethi.com/articles/theyyam-season-is-just-to-begin-article-3284.htm

Keywords :
Theyyam , kaliyattom