Read on Twitter
“Theyyam is a Dalit dance and each legendary story is grim. A righteous person from the lower-castes stands up for his rights, is killed for his insolence, and comes alive every time his or her theyyam is performed.” : Ranjitha Rajeevan (creator of an animation film titled Keli).
The Theyyam now called Vishnu Moorti was originally called Palantayi Kannan.
Kannan was a lower caste boy who was killed by a fuedal lord of Kuruvadan family. Kannan was hailed as a local hero and a martyr through the ritual. (The moral community of the Teyyattam - Page 189)
Kannan was a lower caste boy who was killed by a fuedal lord of Kuruvadan family. Kannan was hailed as a local hero and a martyr through the ritual. (The moral community of the Teyyattam - Page 189)
In the south there existed a more dilute form of Teyyam called the Thirayattam. North Kerala also has more Kavus or Shrines opposed to Ksetrams or Temples.
Entry into Kavus was not restricted by caste.
Entry into Kavus was not restricted by caste.
In the 19th century, Malayans (tribal musicians) visited the houses of all castes dressed as Vetan (Siva) in Malabar.
They were received with a bowl of Charcoal water and a lamp. The Vetan was believed to draw out evils (Poverty and death) into the blackness of the Charcoal.
They were received with a bowl of Charcoal water and a lamp. The Vetan was believed to draw out evils (Poverty and death) into the blackness of the Charcoal.
The bowl of Charcoal was then emptied on the southern side of the house: the direction of Death.
Houses were later visited by Vannans (Washermen), who washed off the dearth in the house.
Houses were later visited by Vannans (Washermen), who washed off the dearth in the house.
The lower the person in caste hierarchy, the greater the black magic power he would possess. This was the myth in many parts of Kerala during 18th & 19th century.
The Parayas were consulted by all castes in matter ranging from everyday theft to the killing of enemies.
The Parayas were consulted by all castes in matter ranging from everyday theft to the killing of enemies.
Although the Parayas were at the lowest of the caste hierarchy, The upper caste Hindus rendered them as objects of fear and awe.
The story of Manakampat Family in the mid 20th century
The story of Manakampat Family in the mid 20th century
Gulikan Theyyam represents the Hindu God of death, Yama. It is believed that this Theyyam was born from the left toe of Lord Shiva.
കണ്ടനാർ കേളൻ തെയ്യം (Theyyam)
The story goes that once Kandanar Kelan was out hunting in the forest when suddenly the forest caught fire. Finding no other means of escape he climbed a tree where it was home of two snakes. The fire consumed the tree, the snakes & Kelan.
The story goes that once Kandanar Kelan was out hunting in the forest when suddenly the forest caught fire. Finding no other means of escape he climbed a tree where it was home of two snakes. The fire consumed the tree, the snakes & Kelan.
Theyyam museum to be built in Kannur district of Kerala. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/theyyam-museum-to-be-built-in-kannur-district-of-kerala/as68137461.cms
"Theyyam is an ancient ritualistic art form predating organised Hinduism and harking back to a time of tribal animism.
Today Theyyam faces increasing threats of gentrification and Brahmanism, thus paving the way for the destruction of the sacred graves where it was born."
Today Theyyam faces increasing threats of gentrification and Brahmanism, thus paving the way for the destruction of the sacred graves where it was born."
Onapottan (ഓണപ്പൊട്ടൻ) is a folk character that appears during Onam in North Malabar (Kerala).
Onapottan visits the houses during the Utradam and Thiruvonam days of Onam. The name Onapottan is given to this character because he does not speak (pottan = deaf)
Onapottan visits the houses during the Utradam and Thiruvonam days of Onam. The name Onapottan is given to this character because he does not speak (pottan = deaf)
