The moments of divine possession

These are one of the most cherished moments in the life of a Theyyam artist, when he uplifts himself to a divine level. Through Thottam, the invocative ritual held prior to the actual Theyyam performance, the artist is believed to get possessed by the divine spirits.

Thottam is performed in front of the shrines, with the performer singing songs called Thottam Pattu which elaborate the legends related to each deity. The make-up and costume for Thottam is simpler in comparison to the grand actual performance.

In the video, the Thottam performance of Vishnumoorthy Theyyam held at Adikkumpara Puthiya Bhagavathy temple, Kannur, is seen.