Pottan Theyyam

Pottan Theyyam is a vivid, lively and colorful ritualistic dance which comes in the traditional art form of theyyam, and is an essential part of the cultural heritage of Kolathunadu, a territory comprising present day Kannur district and parts of Kozhikode and Kasaragod districts of northern Kerala, India.

It is believed pottan theyyam is a manifestation of Shiva. In some Hindu tharavads, pottan theyyam has a small hut like building called a palliyara. Pottan theyyam is a form of resistance, symbolizing goodness that would wipe out the social evils in the community. This theyyam is an anti-caste God. The theyyam re-enacts in ritualistic expressions the life of those personalities who had laid down their life for a social cause and is interpreted as a social/spiritual satire that is characteristic of the theyyam's personality. Pottan theyyam is also traditionally performed with a large fire, the embers of which pottan theyyam will rest upon (with the people insisting/requesting him to get up). After the performance and customs the locals may approach and speak with pottan theyyam and receive his response and blessing. The legend of Pottan Theyyam goes like.