Theyyam is a famous Hindu ritual of worship in Kannur, Kerala state, India.The area previously known as the Kolathunadu area . As a living cult with several thousand-year-old traditions, rituals and customs, it embraces almost all the castes and classes of the Hindu religion in this region. The term Theyyam is a come form of Daivam or God.
According to the popular myth, Parasurama sanctioned festivals like Daivattam or Theyyattam to the people of the Malabar This form of worship, often involving liquor and meat as offerings to Bhagawathi, Shiva, Vishnu, co-existed with the Sattvic rituals practiced by Brahmins in temples. In fact, Theyyam was nearly always sponsored by members of the ruling class, such as Nambudiri feudals, and achieved much prominence, therefore Theyyam festivals and Temple festivals were celebrated with equal vigour. The dance or invocation is generally performed in front of the village Shrine. It is also performed in the houses .
Payyanur ,the northern town in Kannur district is the major centre of Theyyams.There are many 'Kavu's situated near to Payyanur. One of the salient features of Theyyaattam is its colourful costume. The dress made out of splices of bamboos and covered by red cloth. Kathakali, the world famous art of kerala adopted it's make up styles from Theyyams.
