‘Music and Literature of Theyyam’ - A Ritual Art Form of North Malabar

Theyyam, the word itself is a derivative of Daivam, meaning God is unquestionably the most extravagantly colorful ritual dance form of Kerala. It is performed in northern Kerala in the northern part of Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod districts. Theyyam is perhaps the most ancient and authentic Ritual art, distinguished by its Beautiful literature of Thōttam Pāttu, heavy and highly colorful make-up and the huge headdresses. Theyyam is rich in dance, song, costume and ritual. They originated in Kerala’s ancient past and are widely performed today in front of village shrines. These temple shrines celebrate annual festivals during which the Theyyam Kōladhāri himself represents the temple deity. The ritualistic songs appropriate for Theyyam is known as “Thōttam Pāttukal”, which describes the origin of the deities, their beauty and grandeur, their journey, power and boldness. A distinguishing component of Theyyam performance is that of Thōttam and its Beautiful Literature. Thōttam literature helps us to understand a lot about the social, culture and linguistic characters of North Kerala.