Theyyam (Part 1)

Theyyam is one of the major ritualistic art forms of Kerala. The name ‘Theyyam’ originates from the word ‘Theivam’ which means God. Theyyam which is also known as ‘Kaliyattom’ which is an ancient socio-religious ceremony performed in the Northern parts of Kerala. The performance of Theyyam is in close association with the agrarian practices of ancient Kerala. It is regarded mainly as a sacred dance performance of ‘Kali’, as the name ‘Kaliyattom’ suggests. The origin of Theyyam is shrouded in mystery. Theyyam is an art form of the Dravidians. And it has a revolutionary concept behind it, since the Theyyam artists are from low-caste communities such as Malayan or Vanaan. Even the high-caste people will have to worship the Gods come in the form of Theyyam, signifying the absence of rigid practice of the then caste-system in Kerala.

Contributed By :

Gopika Girissan