Theyyam is an ancient socio-religious ceremony performed in Kerala since distant times. It was started as an offering to Goddess Kali. Theyyam is also known as 'Kali Aattam' because of this. 'Kali Aattam' is conducted to propitiate Gods and Goddesses to bless the family and community.

In ancient times every village in Kerala had its own temple (called 'Kavu') and it was imperative to have 'Kali Aattam' performed in front of it. In Malayalam, the word 'Kali' also the means 'safety'. As Kerala was a land where many people worshipped Goddess Kali, 'Kali Attam' became very much a part of the social culture.

Each manifestation in Theyyam is known as a 'kolam'. Various 'kolams' (shapes or forms) of heroes and heroines were defined with special forms and costumes attributed to them. Kolams were made to immortalize individuals who sacrificed their life to certain deities and their home communities. As a result every community has two or three special 'kolams'. Around 400 different 'kolams' are known.

 

To bring out differences in each manifestation a 'kolam' has special features - from face painting and filling of the dress to hood and ornament. The face painting is a work of difficult craftsmanship and a unique piece of art. Some 'kolams' take 8-10 hours to paint. In the same way the crowns, headdress, breastplate, arm ornaments, bangles, garland and above all the woolen or cotton garments are all so elaborately furnished and variously shaped such that the figure of the 'kolam' is something to see and wonder. It is said that the modern dance Kathakali originated from Theyyam.

Where and when is it performed ?
            Generally Theyyam is conducted in places of worship called 'kottams' or 'palliara'. Special compartments are also set apart in family homes ('Tharavadus') where Theyyam is performed to worship the deities. Season for 'Kali Attam' is from December to May. 

Ceremonies 
              The most important ceremony is the actual manifestation of the 'kolam'. Just before the kolam a song describing the history of that particular 'kolam' and its mystical strength is sung by a set of people. The dance centers around slow paced dancers (pathiniyattam) and fast moving ones (elakiyattam). Swords and shields, bows and arrows and other weapons are used.

The scene
           Kaliyattam is performed in the night. Cloth torches (pandams) and coconut leaf torches (chutu) with a sharp contrast of light and shade give the entire stage a glamorous setting. 
 

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