What is Theyyam?
It is a ritual art form, also known as dance of the Gods.
Gods? What does it mean?
The dancers, all male, believe that they get 'transformed' into the deities.
Do people worship these human 'deities'?
Yes. They seek Theyyam's blessings to solve their problems.
Incredible. Where is it held? When? Who performs? How long?
Browse Ghumakkad's story below to get your answers.
According to District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) Kannur, Theyyam, is a traditional ritual art form, and takes its name from the Sanskrit word "daivam," meaning God. The dance performance in representation of the deity is usually performed from December to April at various temples and shrines. Theyyams come in over 400 varieties, each with unique characteristics. Among them, the most well-known are Muchilottu Bhagavathi and Raktha Chamundi. Every Theyyam will be uniquely and meticulously crafted, with unique facial cosmetics, attire, and accessories including headdresses, bracelets, garlands, and fabrics.
Theyyam, or Kaliyattom, is a 1,000-year-old sacred ritual dance from North Kerala, India, where performers embody deities, ancestors, and heroes. This "dance of the gods" features elaborate costumes, vibrant face painting, and intense, trance-like movements to bless the devotees.
Ghumakkad was recently in Kannur as part of a Naval Reunion. We were all set to witness a live Theyyam ritual. But at the last moment, it had to be cancelled. However, our tourist guide had briefed us in detail about it. Alas, I could not shoot Theyyam pictures myself. Am therefore, sharing a few pictures from the net below, much to my dislike.
Readers may browse a 10-minute video excellently shot by a German photographer Dennis Schmelz here. He was almost hunted by a Theyyam!
Kathakali
Kerala has another dance form called Kathakali in which the dancers go through elaborate makeups and attires with headgear. Readers may browse our earlier story depicting Kathakali among other attractions in and around Munnar, a hill station in Kerala.
Munnar The Charm of Kerala - Feel the gentle slopes of Munnar hills and its culture through pictures.
Misty Munnar - Here is another picture story to take you to the misty hills of Munnar. Enjoy the view.
As mentioned earlier, the plan to witness the Theyyam was part of our Naval Reunion. A Reunion not of coursemates (as is generally the case) but faculty mates who were together in INS Valsura Jamnagar during mid-1970s. Called FFA, the association goes back more than 50 years now. You may browse an account of our earlier Reunion in Kerala in 2014 below
FFA Reunion in Kerala 2014 - Twelve years ago, we all looked younger. Two of our spouses have since left us. The picture story also tells us what is FFA?
FFA on a House Boat in Backwaters - Enjoying the boat cruise in the back waters. Ghumakkad the photographer was almost left behind as the boat casted off!
The FFA has since had many Reunions as listed below:
2012: Mumbai
2013: Jamnagar
2014: Kochi
2015: Udaipur
2017: Andamans
2019: Russia
2023: Bhopal
2024: Hyderabad
2026: Kannur
It is time for the 10th Reunion of FFA. Venue will be polled soon.
We end with what Eleanor Roosevelt said about true friends, 'Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends leave footprints in your heart'. FFA is alll about true friends!
Thanks for browsing.
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- Harsh-the-Ghuammakad/ Secunderabad/ 3rd March 2026
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