Wayanattu Kulavan ( affectionately called Thondachan—meaning the grand old ancestor) is one of the most prominent, acrobatic, and widely revered deities in the Theyyam tradition of North Malabar.He is considered a "god on call"—a deity who answers his devotees instantly. He is depicted as a visu..Read More

The performance embodies the spirit of Kelan, an ancient and hardworking farmer. Kelan was clearing a forest area in the Wayanad hills for cultivation.While under the influence of toddy, he set fire to the brushwood.To escape the raging flames, he climbed a banyan tree, unaware that two sacred serpe..Read More

Raktha Chamundi is a fierce, prominent Theyyam deity performed in the North Malabar region of Kerala. Representing an aggressive manifestation of Goddess Durga or Kali, she was invoked to destroy the demons Chanda and Munda, as well as the blood-drinking demon Raktabija. The ritual performance is..Read More

Chand Kuttichathan Theyyam is a prominent, dynamic ritualistic performance native to the North Malabar region of Kerala. Representing a fierce yet benevolent ancestral deity, this Theyyam is closely associated with the legend of Chathan, a mischievous, powerful form of Lord Shiva’s lineage known f..Read More

Gulikan Theyyam is a deeply revered ritualistic art form from North Malabar, Kerala, representing the ferocious Hindu deity of death and justice, an incarnation of Lord Yama. According to legend, after Lord Shiva destroyed Kalan (the original god of death) to save his devotee Markandeya, he created ..Read More

Thai Paradevatha or Valiya Thamburatti is one of the most revered and powerful mother goddess . Manifesting as a fierce form of Goddess Bhadrakali, mythology dictates she emerged from Lord Shiva’s third eye to vanquish the demon Darikasura.   Visually striking, the performance stands out due ..Read More

Panchuruli Theyyam is a powerful, theyyam, representing a fierce incarnation of Goddess Varahi—the boar-headed deity among the Sapthamatrikas (seven mother goddesses)—mythology states she was created by Lord Shiva to maintain cosmic balance and eliminate evil forces. The performance is legend..Read More

Kathivannur Veeran Theyyam is one of the most popular and heroic deities celebrated in North Malabar, Kerala. Unlike mythic gods, this Theyyam commemorates a real-life warrior named Mandappan, who was legendary for his exceptional martial arts skills. After being exiled by his father, Mandappan marr..Read More

Sree Muthappan Theyyam is one of the most popular and unique ritual performances in North Malabar, Kerala. Unlike other Theyyams, it is performed year-round, notably at the Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple. Characterized by vibrant fish-shaped headgears (Mudi) and dynamic movements, Muthappan is r..Read More

Kadankottu Makkam Theyyam tells the poignant tale of Makkam, a virtuous woman from a wealthy family in Kannur. Born after her parents prayed to Chuzhali Bhagavathi, she was deeply cherished by her twelve brothers. However, consumed by jealousy, her sisters-in-law falsely accused Makkam of infidelity..Read More