INDIA | Monday, 7 November 2011 | Views [884]
Theyyam is a tradition that is followed in the Kolathunādu region of Kerala, a southern state in India. It is unique as it brings in different castes together in a major form of worship at the Kavu, the shrine in a village and has traits that are known to date back to the neolithic and chalcolithic eras. The name derives from the Malayalam word Deivam meaning God. In the art forms kathakali and Kūṭiyāṭṭaṃ, actors play the part of god. But in theyyam, the performers actually become God, acquiring magical powers for the duration of the ceremony.
Seen above is the theyyam, Gulikan. The atmosphere is calm but the anticipation and waiting for what He would do next always raises a sense of excitement and fear.
Tags: theyyam, kerala, india, ritual, art
