Theyyam is one of the most celebrated traditional art forms, especially in North Kerala. It is considered to be the dance of the Gods. The Theyyam festival is one of the most astonishing festivals much awaited by the people of Kannur district. During the festival over four hundred dance performances are being held to please the local deities, Gods, Goddesses and heroes present in the ancient mythologies, legends and epics. All the performers are completely dressed in traditional attires, headgears, ornaments and face masks. It is actually a combination of dance and music alike.
The concept behind Theyyam Festival is that after proper rituals, poojas and chanting mantras, the deity of the shrine manifests itself into the body of the performer and fills him with spiritual experience, which in turn results in a divine performance of the dance form. The costume, makeups and energetic performances, makes you fall in love with the art form. Theyyam is taught, practised and performed in more than 100 places in Kerala, yet the regular performance of Theyyam is only seen in Parassinikadavu Sree Muthappan Temple in Kannur district. Visit Kannur to know more about this cultural art form and experience the glory of our heritage.
