The Kerala Tourism Department has recently initiated the live streaming of a unique annual temple festival named ‘Theyyam’ performances, in an attempt to enhance cultural tourism. This move is part of a broader strategy to showcase Kerala’s rich cultural traditions and attract more tourists.
Understanding Theyyam
‘Theyyam’ is a deeply ingrained ritual dance form worshipped predominantly in the states of Kerala and Karnataka in India. Originating from a thousand-year-old tradition, it engages a diverse set of customs and rituals. The local people view ‘Theyyam’ not just as a sociocultural event but also as a medium to communicate with God, thus seeking blessings by participating or witnessing these performances.
In essence, each ‘Theyyam’ is performed by an individual man or woman who has attained divine status in their lifetime due to their virtuous deeds or heroic acts. A majority of the ‘Theyyams’ are believed to be manifestations of either Lord Shiva or Goddess Shakti – the primary Hindu deities representing destruction and power respectively, or maintain robust connections with these Gods. Currently, there are over 400 theyyams known, some of which are considered exceptionally significant.
Major Types of Theyyam
There are several major types of Theyyam, each holding a unique place in the religious folklore. One such variant is the ‘Vishnumoorthi’. Amongst the two Vaishnava Theyyams–Daivatar and Vishnumoorthi, the latter is revered as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Vishnumoorthi Theyyam draws its narrative from the life of Palanthai Kannan, a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu.
Another major Theyyam is ‘Gulikan’, considered to be a reincarnation of Yama, the Hindu deity of death and justice. As per the Indian mythology, Gulikan held a prominent position as one of Lord Shiva’s most crucial warriors.
The ‘Kuttichathan’ Theyyam has its roots in the Brahmin caste. This type of Theyyam is believed to have originated from Lord Shiva in Vishnu Maaya form.
Theyyam and Other Major Dance Forms in India
For an understanding of the country’s diverse cultural and traditional landscape, examining major dance forms like Garba from Gujarat, Mohiniattam from Odisha, and Yakshagana from Karnataka alongside Theyyam provides a comprehensive picture. These regional dances, each having their significance and characteristics, contribute richly to the cultural fabric of India.
It is important to note that in a recent quiz question about the association of these dance forms with the respective states (options being Garba: Gujarat, Mohiniattam: Odisha, Yakshagana: Karnataka), the correct answer was that only Garba and Yakshagana are correctly matched with their real states of origin. The pairs were as follows: Garba-Gujarat and Yakshagana-Karnataka.
Theyyam, as seen, is a beautiful medley of religion, art, culture, and tradition that has stood the test of time. It continues to be a testimony of the timeless traditions prevalent in the rich cultural heritage of India.
