Devotees euphoric as Theyyams make a comeback in northern Malabar

Express News Service

KANNUR: After an extended hole of one-and-a-half years, throughout which temples and kaavus of northern Malabar had been compelled right into a slumber on account of Covid unfold, the sounds of drumbeats and Thottam Paattus are making a comeback because the Theyyam season begins. The pandemic had shattered the lives of a number of hundred Theyyam artists throughout northern Malabar and left Theyyam followers dissatisfied.

As the federal government has given the inexperienced sign for temples and kaavus to stage festivals, albeit in a restricted method, the fanatics right here have turn out to be euphoric because the season offers them an event to have a good time, rejoice and worship the ritualistic artwork type, which attracts folks from different states and even from overseas.

“Yes, for me, this is the mother of all festivals,” stated Hema Narayanan, an engineer turned photographer from Bengaluru, who was fascinated by the brilliance of the ritualistic artwork type. Hema, who took up images and writing as her career after quitting her company job, has travelled throughout India and overseas.

“Though I knew Theyyam through the pictures and descriptions from my Malayali friends, it was only in 2020 that I was able to watch this great art form”, she stated. “It was just before Covid set in. I was invited to Koodali Thazhathu veedu of Kannur through one of my friends to watch Theyyams being staged there. That was a wonderful experience,” she stated.

During that journey, she additionally had obtained probability to look at Theyyams. together with Kathivannur Veeran, Kandanar Kelan, Raktha Chamundi , Vayanattu Kulavan and so on. “The experience is just indescribable. The surreal atmosphere in kaavus created by lit torches, celestial look of men acting as gods and mesmeric rhythm of the drum beats add extra charm to the occasion. The faces of gods, which are coloured with vermillion, orange, yellow, black and white, gives an aesthetic and rustic brilliance to the faces of theyyams,” she stated, reliving her expertise.

The event gave her the prospect to click on away merrily. “I thought, I was lucky to watch this art form. A Theyyam is a photographer’s delight as it gives one the chance to excel with the colours and setting. It was purely magical,” she stated.

“I was so fascinated by the experience as I wanted to return again. But due to Covid-induced restrictions it didn’t happen. I hope to be back,” stated Hema.