Kuttikkol Thampuratti Theyyam
The Kuttikkol Thampuratti Bhagavathy Temple in Kasaragod district annually hosts one of Kerala's grandest Theyyam festivals. This vibrant celebration features an array of Theyyam performances, including some of the most renowned varieties such as Elayoor Theyyam, Chamundi Theyyam, Panchoorla Theyyam, and Muthor Theyyam. The festival's colorful pageantry and festive atmosphere draw visitors from around the globe, making it a truly international event.
This ten-day festival, celebrated annually from February 22nd to February 26th, highlights the rich traditions of ancient tribal cultures. Held near Erinhipuzha in Kasaragod, the Kuttikkol Thampuratti Theyyam festival is a significant cultural event that primarily celebrates the Mother Goddess and her associates. The rituals include dance, mime, and music, emphasizing the worship of heroes and ancestral spirits. The vivid costumes, intricate makeup, and majestic headgear worn by the performers add to the spectacle, creating a mesmerizing visual treat for the audience.
Theyyam, a ritualistic art form originating in North Kerala, brings to life the great stories of the region. Combining dance, mime, and music, it celebrates the ancient tribals' beliefs in the worship of heroes and spirits. The ceremonious dance is accompanied by traditional musical instruments such as Chenda, Elathalam, Kurumkuzal, and Veekkuchenda. With over 400 distinct Theyyams, each featuring its own music, style, and choreography, the festival offers a diverse and captivating experience. Each artist represents a powerful hero, adorned in flamboyant costumes and heavy makeup. The grandeur of the headgear and ornaments worn by the performers fills the spectators with awe and wonder.
The Kuttikkol Thampuratti Theyyam festival is a celebration of tradition, spirituality, and artistic excellence, making it a must-see event for anyone interested in the cultural tapestry of God's Own Country.
In Kerala, festival dates are decided in accordance with the Malayalam calendar and the local traditions and customs. We have calculated the festival dates based on these. But there can be changes in the dates according the customs and rituals associated with each place of worship. As such, these should be considered only as approximate dates and have to be confirmed with the local authorities.
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Theyyam is an integral cultural symbol of North Malabar that combines religion, culture and aesthetics. Local collectives together with government initiatives have strived to make these unique art forms, rituals and cultures of North Malabar expand and reach across the world
A blend of dance, music and fervent devotion, Theyyam is an ancient ritualistic form of worship. Performed at temples or traditional houses especially in Kerala's Kannur and Kasaragod districts, Theyyam has in course of time developed regional variations. The Dance of the Divine presents a comprehensive account of this ancient ritual
Where Shades of History Mingle with Nature's Embrace. Nestled like a sentinel on Kerala’s northern shores, Kasaragod proudly displays its crown jewel - Bekal Fort, a behemoth of history kissed by the Arabian Sea’s azure embrace.
Described as the land of Forts and Gods, Kasaragod is noted for Theyyam, a performing art that blends dance, myth, drama, music, art and theatrics. The magnificent key-hole shaped Bekal Fort is an architectural wonder. The northernmost district of Kerala, Kasaragod is also renowned for its hills, water bodies, and coir and handloom industry
Kasaragod has stood witness to the settlement of various human communities within its borders that came in the wake of military invasions, commercial travels and diplomatic missions. Subsequently their languages and their cultures nourished the adoptive region, and Kasaragod became a land of seven tongues
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