Festival

Theyyam

North Kerala’s ritual season of deity performances in sacred groves and shrines.

About

The Theyyam season lights up Malabar — especially Kannur, Kasaragod, and nearby areas — roughly from October to May. Performers embody local deities through elaborate costumes, face painting, and drumming in sacred groves (kavus) and village shrines. Related forms such as Thirra appear in the same ritual landscape. For visitors, night-long Theyyam is one of Kerala’s most powerful living traditions.

Season October–May (approx.)

Type Ritual festival season

Highlights Theyyam, Thirra, sacred grove rites

Related arts

See it in performance

Art forms closely tied to this festival season.

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Theyyam View Details Thirra View Details Thottam Pattu View Details

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