Kerala: To cure and alleviate the ill effects of the 'Karkidakam' or the monsoonal miseries each year Aadivedan visits the homes of people in northern Kerala. Aadi Vedan Theyyam, a ritual art form, is believed to bring prosperity to families. The Karkidaka Theyyam is popular in both Kannur and Kasaragod region.
It is believed that this Theyyam (ritual) is performed to eradicate the diseases or miseries of the Karkidaka (monsoon) month.
Aadi and Vedan are two different theyyams representing Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. The ritual is performed during the Monsoon season.
The root of this traditional art form can be traced back to the 'Vana Parva' of 'Mahabharata'.
The 'Vedan' conducts ritualistic dance movements to the drum beats inside the houses and sing ‘Vedan Song’ while chanting of verses.
People of the ‘Malaya’ community perform the Vedan Theyyam representing Lord Shiva and ‘Vannan’ Community people perform the Aadi Theyyam representing Goddess Parvati.
The households prepare the courtyards with a paste of cow dung and lights a traditional stem lamp (Nilavilaku). Rice and other grains along with vegetables will be kept in a winnow.
Thereafter, black 'guruthi' kept in a platter is thrown towards the south direction. The black 'guruthi' is charcoal mixed with water while the red 'guruthi' is the watery mixture of turmeric powder and quicklime.
It is believed that once the 'Vedan' does the ritual of throwing the 'guruthi', the household is purified of all the evils.
'Vedan' then collects all the grain and other offerings received in the bundle hung around the shoulder and heads for the next household.
