Theyyam Starting Season: When the Gods Come Alive in North Kerala

The arrival of the Theyyam starting season marks one of the most vibrant and spiritually significant times of the year in North Kerala. As the season begins, sacred groves, temples and traditional spaces across Kannur and Kasaragod prepare to welcome the powerful rituals of Theyyam.

Theyyam is not simply a dance or cultural performance. It is a living ritual tradition where mythology, folklore, music, elaborate costumes, traditional makeup and devotion come together.

For photographers and cultural travellers, the beginning of the Theyyam season offers a particularly exciting opportunity. The transformation of the performer, the vibrant colours, dramatic expressions, traditional rituals and powerful stories create countless moments to experience and capture.

Among the many Theyyam forms performed during the season, Kandanar Kelan, Karthika Chamundi and Visha Kandan carry fascinating stories of warriors, divine power and local heroes.

When Does the Theyyam Season Start?

The Theyyam season generally begins around October or November and continues until April or May. However, the exact dates vary according to the traditions and annual calendars of individual kavus, temples and family shrines.

The beginning of the season is an important time in North Kerala. Villages and sacred spaces become active with preparations, rituals and festivals, while devotees and visitors begin arriving to witness the performances.

The exact date of the first Theyyam can differ from one location to another. Therefore, anyone planning to experience the Theyyam starting season should check the individual kavu or temple schedule before visiting.

What Makes the Starting Season Special?

The beginning of the Theyyam season is special because it marks the return of one of Kerala’s most visually powerful ritual traditions.

As the season begins, performers, families and temple communities prepare for their scheduled rituals. Costumes are arranged, traditional makeup is prepared, musical instruments accompany the ceremonies, and sacred spaces become centres of activity.

For photographers, the starting season offers more than just the final performance. It provides opportunities to observe the atmosphere surrounding the ritual—from preparations and makeup to costumes, music, movement and interaction with devotees.

The natural surroundings of North Kerala also become an important part of the visual experience.

How Does a Theyyam Begin?

A Theyyam performance follows traditional customs that can vary depending on the particular deity and kavu.

The performer begins with ritual preparations before appearing before the devotees. Traditional makeup is carefully applied, followed by the elaborate costume, ornaments and distinctive headgear associated with the particular Theyyam.

Traditional percussion instruments create the rhythm as the ritual progresses.

The performer then enters the sacred space and begins the movements and expressions associated with the deity.

For devotees, the performer is traditionally regarded as embodying the deity during the ritual. This makes the experience deeply spiritual and different from a conventional stage performance.

The Fiercest Fire Theyyam of All: Kandanar Kelan

One of the most powerful Theyyam forms associated with the season is Kandanar Kelan.

KANDANAR KELAN

(The Fiercest Fire Theyyam of All)

Kandanar Kelan was a yesteryear warrior.The story goes that once Kandanar Kelan was out hunting in the forest when suddenly the forest caught fire.Finding no other means of escape he climbed a tree.This tree was also the home of two snakes.The fire consumed the tree,the snakes and Kandanar Kelan.Vayanat Kulavan,another warrior god was passing by the burnt forest when he saw the image of Kandanar Kelan in the ashes.With his bow he traced out Kandanar Kelan and gave him life.

The story of Kandanar Kelan is closely associated with fire, survival, death and rebirth. The powerful visual appearance and energetic movements of the performer make this Theyyam particularly striking to experience and photograph.

The fire associated with the story also adds to the dramatic atmosphere surrounding the performance.

Karthika Chamundi Theyyam

Another fascinating Theyyam associated with the traditions of North Kerala is Karthika Chamundi.

KARTHIKA CHAMUNDI THEYYAM

One of the rarest Theyyam event happens when Karthika chamundi, Nheuyatyakari and Gulikan Theyyam come to meet Kalichan Theyyam from Arayi Kalichan Kavu to Arayi Karthika Kavu crossing a river by boat.

Karthika Chamundi Theyyam tells the tale of the fierce goddess Chamundi who slays demons and protects her devotees. Performed with fiery eyes and wild energy, this Theyyam symbolises strength, rage, and divine justice. Each step of the performer echoes centuries of worship and feminine power rooted deep in Kerala’s soil.

The meeting of the different Theyyam forms and the journey between the sacred spaces make this a particularly rare and visually fascinating ritual.

For photographers, moments such as the movement across the river and the interaction between different Theyyam forms can provide a unique perspective on the traditions surrounding the season.

Visha Kandan Theyyam: The Story of a Local Hero

The Theyyam tradition also preserves stories of local heroes. One such story is that of Visha Kandan.

VISHA KANDAN THEYYAM

It’s the story of a local hero. One day a person with a snake bite was brought to a Namboodiri who used to be considered as the most efficient in curing the venomous bites. The Namboodiri belonged to an Illam called Karumaarath Illam. Namboodiri decreed that the patient was incurable and was sure to die in a few moments. Being helpless, when the patient had been taking to the funeral, a person called Kandan, who belonged to Theeya caste saw from the top of a coconut tree. He suggested the family members to take the body to a nearby pond and to merge it into. In the process, if bubbles were seen to come out of the body, he could then bring the patient back to life. And when bubbles were seen to come out, to everyone’s surprise, he cured the snake bite through his unique never before seen method of venome suppressant. Soon kandan became famous and started growing with followers, fame and patients. This was unbearable for the Namboodiri. Plots were intrigued and Kandan was trapped to death by thrashing his head into a nearby pond. Namboodiris were soon started showing signs of mental illness and other bad omens in the family. Astrologers found that the reason of all evil was the murder of Kandan. They suggested Kandan to be performed as theyyam to get rid of the situation. Thus Kandan became theyyam, and was named Visha(venom) Kandan.

The story of Visha Kandan demonstrates how stories of local heroes and communities have become part of the wider Theyyam tradition.

Why Experience the Beginning of the Theyyam Season?

The starting season can be an excellent time for anyone interested in experiencing Theyyam as a cultural and photographic journey.

The experience is not limited to watching the final ritual. Visitors may encounter:

• Traditional makeup and preparation
• Elaborate costumes and headgear
• Powerful percussion performances
• Ritual movements and expressions
• Sacred spaces and kavus
• Stories and legends associated with each Theyyam
• Interactions between performers and devotees
• Unique morning and evening performances
• Traditional village and temple surroundings

Every location offers a different experience because the rituals, stories and schedules vary between kavus.

Morning Theyyam During the Starting Season

Morning Theyyam can be particularly interesting for photographers.

The natural morning light can reveal the details of the elaborate makeup, costumes, ornaments and headgear more clearly. It can also offer a different atmosphere compared with performances held at night.

The early hours can provide opportunities to observe the surroundings and details of the ritual while experiencing the cultural environment of the kavu.

However, not every Theyyam takes place in the morning. The timing depends entirely on the local traditions and schedule of the particular shrine.

A Season of Stories, Rituals and Photography

The Theyyam starting season is not just the beginning of a festival calendar. It is the beginning of a period when the stories and traditions of North Kerala come alive once again.

The fire and bravery of Kandanar Kelan, the fierce presence of Karthika Chamundi, and the story of the local hero Visha Kandan represent just a few of the many narratives preserved through Theyyam.

For photographers, these stories become an opportunity to look beyond the colourful costumes and capture the people, rituals, expressions, landscapes and emotions that make Theyyam unique.

Experience the Theyyam Starting Season Through Your Lens

For those who want to experience the beginning of the Theyyam season through photography, the Theyyam Starting Season ASP Photo Tour, led by National Award-winning photographer Arun Saha, offers an opportunity to explore these powerful rituals through your eyes and lenses.

The tour also features a special editing workshop on event photographs, making it an opportunity to experience the rituals as well as learn how to work with event photographs after the shoot.

Explore the Theyyam Photo Tour  to discover the visual power of Theyyam and learn more about the tour and its itinerary.

You can also explore Arun Saha Photography, browse the Arun Saha Photography portfolio, and learn more about the photographer’s recognition through the National Photography Awards.

For travellers interested in exploring more of Kerala’s living traditions, a Kerala Photo Tour can also offer opportunities to discover the artistic heritage of the region, including interests such as a Kalaripayattu Photo Tour, a Kathakali Photo Tour, and the cultural traditions of Theyyam Kalari Kathakali.

Respect the Tradition

Theyyam is a sacred ritual and an important part of the cultural identity of North Kerala. While photography can help document and share its visual beauty, visitors should always respect the religious nature of the event.

Before attend

ing a Theyyam, check the local schedule and follow the guidelines of the temple or kavu. Be respectful when photographing performers, devotees and rituals, and follow any restrictions regarding photography.

The Beginning of a Powerful Season

As the Theyyam season begins, North Kerala comes alive with colour, music, stories and ritual.

From the flames associated with Kandanar Kelan to the powerful presence of Karthika Chamundi and the story of Visha Kandan, every Theyyam carries a story that connects the present with generations of tradition.

The Theyyam starting season is therefore an opportunity not only to witness extraordinary performances, but also to experience the stories, people, rituals and landscapes that make this tradition a living part of Kerala’s cultural heritage.