- This newscard is an excerpt from an image that appeared in today’s edition of TH.
About Theyyam
- Theyyam is a traditional ritualistic performance art form from Kerala’s northern area.
- It is thought to have evolved over centuries, incorporating elements of music, dance, and drama to honour numerous Hindu deities, particularly the Goddess Kali.
Key Features:
- Theyyam performances are unique in that they take place in village shrines or joint-family houses rather than on stages.
- Long duration: Performances might last from 12 to 24 hours, reflecting their importance in the community.
- Ritual: The primary dancers stay near the shrine throughout the occasion and do not eat after sundown.
- Masks and costumes: A variety of masks and face paints are utilised, all with brilliant colours.
- Traditional Kerala instruments such as chenda (drum), tuti (flute), kuzhal (wind instrument), and veekni (percussion instrument) accompany the dancers.
- Dance steps: Specific dance steps known as “Kalaasams” follow a set pattern.
- Religious influence: Certain features of Theyyam, such as not eating after sunset, show religious influences from Jainism and Buddhism.
Source: https://www.keralatourism.org/bekal/theyyam-performance.php