Ancient ritual art practices of Kerala, are deeply rooted in, and reflect the ancient worship culture of the land. These forms comprise visual art, dance, percussion, and music. Theeyattu is one such ancient form of ritual art that exists mainly in two forms- for the deity Bhadrakali, known as Bhadrakali Theeyattu, and for the deity Ayyappan/Shastha, known as Ayyappan Theeyattu.  It is believed that Parasurama, the creator of the southwestern coastal region of India (present-day Kerala), brought Shastha and Bhadrakali for the protection of the land and its people. Thus, the worship of Bhadrakali and Shastha (or Ayyappan) has been timeless in the region. Bhadrakali Theeyattu is predominantly performed in the central to southern regions of Kerala by the community called Theeyattu Unnis, while Ayyappan Theeyattu is performed in the central to northern regions by the community called Theeyadi Nambiar. The etymology of the name is interpreted differently. One interpretation traces its origin to the concept of 'Daivattam'-'Daivam' meaning God-leading to Theyyaattam and Theeyaatu. Another version is based on one of the main practices of the art, where fire torches are used, hence the name 'Teeyattu,' meaning 'play with fire.'

Bhadrakali Theeyattu
Bhadrakali Theeyattu is a ritual practice performed in Bhadrakali temples, an offering to Goddess Kali- the fiery mother goddess. The preparation for the ritual is a significant part of the Theeyattu day. It begins in the daytime with the creation of a powder art called Kalamezhuthu on the floor using natural colour powders. The materials used include rice for white, husk charcoal for black, turmeric for yellow, a mixture of lime and turmeric for red, and green leaves for green. An elaborate image of Bhadrakali is drawn, and songs in praise of Bhadrakali are sung, which last for hours. The performance starts at night with the entry of the dressed Theeyattunni (the hereditary performer), and lighting the lamp symbolising Lord Shiva. The performer invokes the gods Ganapati, Lord Shiva, and Saraswati through hymns. The main part of the act is the story of the battle between the demon Darika and Bhadrakali. When the Theeyattunni wears the headgear (mudi), he is believed to transform into Kali. The face of Kali is painted traditionally with black, white, and red, symbolising the fiery goddess with chickenpox marks. Kali, born from Lord Shiva to kill demons, narrates the story of the battle to her creator, Shiva, represented by a lighted oil lamp (Nilavilakk). The narration includes hymns, steps, and gestures, with the climax being the demonstration of the killing of Darika (Darika Vadham).

In the final stage, the priest or oracle enters and erases the Kalam (powder drawing). Another prominent part of the ritual is Thiri Uzhichil, which involves swirling fire by the main performer. Pallipurathu Kavu in Kottayam, Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple, Panachimangalath Bhadrakali Temple near Kothamangalam, Vanarkavu in Madakkathanam and Puthukulangara Bhagavati Temple in Peringara are notable venues for Bhadrakali Theeyattu, where the art form is performed annually. Theeyattu is also performed as an offering to Goddess Kali at various temples and houses.

Ayyappan Theeyattu
Ayyappan Theeyattu is a presentation that narrates the story of Lord Sastha -the son of Hari (Vishnu) and Haran (Shiva). The songs, known as Thottam, are presented in front of a special powder art called Kalam. In Ayyappan Theeyattu, the Kalam of Shastha is drawn with natural colors, and the Thottam songs are sung by traditional performers. 

In the Thottam songs, Ayyappan- a hunting god is depicted as a version of Shastha. The ritual takes place either in a permanent location in front of the sanctum sanctorum of Ayyappan/Shastha temples or in a specially built pandal. Special rituals (Pooja) start in the afternoon, invoking Ganapati and Shastha. The hereditary practitioner, Theeyadi Nambiar, begins singing the songs accompanied by percussions such as Para and Kuzhithalam, followed by the drawing of the Kalam. The rituals and songs continue until late evening, leading to the performance known as Ayyappan Koothu (Dance of Ayyappa). The performer dresses in traditional white and red costumes with a special headgear called Pathiyam and performs to the accompaniment of songs by other artists. There is no specific facial make up for the performer. The act is in a form of narration of the story of Ayyappa. The next part, called ‘Kalathilattam’ (the dance in the Kalam), involves the performer entering the Kalam area as a Komaram (oracle representing the deity) and erasing the Kalam with a sword dance. The Komaram, in a trance, speaks to the people, offering solutions to their problems and blessings. Finally, the performer returns the sword near the sanctum sanctorum.

Ayyappan Theeyattu is a vibrant combination of nritta (dance), geetha (music), vadya (percussion), and the esoteric art of Kerala painting. The hereditary performers- Thiyyadi Nambiar families are eight in number, those traditionally attached to Sastha temples in Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts. Theeyattu is also performed in other temples and Nambudiri illams (Brahmin houses) as an offering to Lord Shastha for fulfilment of desires, and to avert calamities and misfortunes.