Theyyam is India's oldest ritual art form and is performed in the Kali temples of Kasargode and Kannur (north Kerala). There are over 400 different forms of Theyyam and the masks and head gear are truly breathtaking and each one is meticulously crafted according to the character presented. As a living cult with centuries old traditions, ritual and custom, it embraces almost all castes and classes of Hindu religion in this region. The term Theyyam is a corrupt form of daivam or God. People of these districts consider Theyyam as a God and they seek blessings from Theyyam.
It is an ancient dance form and a precursor to the more stylised and less vigorous Kathakali.Teyyam represents a glorious period of folk life in Kerala and the souls of the dead heroes of the land and the gods and goddesses are supposed to come in our midst through the medium of the possessed dancers and converse with us on matters of even contemporary significance. It is the worship of spirits by invoking them to the mortal body of the dancer who impersonates them and gives blessing to the believers.
It is a rare privilege to see this in one's lifetime.
Kannan Peruvannaan,the grand master of Theyyam:
