The Performing Features of the Ancient Traditional Theyyam Dance

பழமை பொருந்திய தெய்யம் நடனத்தின் ஆடல் சிறப்பு

Abstract

Kerala is Often described as ‘Godswn Country’ a title that its natural beauty and cultural richness truly justify. Among India’s ancient art forms, Kerala holds a remarkable place for its traditional dances. The roors of many rural dance traditions such as Theyyam, Kolam, Thullal, Vettatullal, and Chittu Nadakam trace back to this land. One of the most distinctive and tural, is a rutulitic dance deeply interwined with Hindu coutoms and religious practices. It is not merely a dance but a sacred ritual performance. The art form is centered around the Weapons they once wielded. Histrocial references to smilar traditions can be found in ancient Tamil Sangam literature, where warrior worship was known as Velan veriyadal. Comparable traditions exist in other parts of India for instance the Thira dance of north India shares similarities with Theyyam in its performance style. Songs, Costumes, and heroes themes, signifying the cultural continuity of warrior workship throughtout the nation. In thew south canara region of Karnataka smilar ritual dances dedicatied to heroes and spirits are called Bhoota or Kola. Theyyam is beliveved to have originated over 1500 years ago. Its songs and rituals have been preserved through oral transmission across generations. Familes belonging to specific hereditary lineages perform Theyyam as part of their clan traditions, blending workship with community faith and creating unique cultural expressions. Theyyam performances are dedicated to divine beings, animals, ancestral spirits, and even diseases as as a form of spiritual offering. Like Kathakali and Kalaripayattu, Theyyam involves elaborate costumes, makeup, and symbolic colors. The performance consists of two main part: Kettum (the preparatoryritual) and Velattam (the dance of valor) Begin inning with solemn workshipand ending in an intense, trance-like climax, the dance evokes deep emotional and spiritual responses. The accompanying musical instruments, ritual songs, and dance movements blend harmoniously to create a powerful artistic and devotional experience. Theyyam festivals are typically held annually in rural ares, lasting from two to seven days.