Ecstasy of Devotion- Theyyam

In the Malabar region, many rural temple festivals bear more than a religious significance. These festivals serve as cradles to many folk and ritual art forms and are also a nurturing influence on the not-yet-declined folk culture of Kerala.

Theyyam is one such ritual art form which finds nourishment in the temple festivals of rural Malabar. Theyyam or Theyyattam is derived from the word Daivam, meaning God. The dancer is viewed as the deity, not as a mortal man, once he begins his Theyyam performance.

Many temples in Malabar, especially Kannur, are remarkable for their tradition of regular Theyyam performances. One such temple is Thayyil Sree Wayanattu Kulavan temple at Kuruva, Kannur district. This rural temple where many folk deities are worshipped has its annual Vellattam festival rich with many Theyyam performances. Figures of Vettakkorumakan, Gulikan and Puliyoor Kannan are featured in the performances.

In the video, an oracle is seen in a devotional ecstasy as the reverberating sounds of Chenda, the local drum add gravity to the whole occasion.