Kasaragod (Kerala): This year, during the heavy monsoon rains of July, the country pathways of North Malabar region in Kerala are devoid of the bells of ‘Kutti Theyyam’ performers wearing the red cloth and visiting every home.
Theyyam is the ritualistic art form representing many mythical divine forms in the villages of North Malabar region in Kerala. Usually, the beginning of Karkidakam (Malayalam Month from July 16 to August 16) also is the beginning of Kutti Theyyam performances in many parts of North Kerala villages. The performers in their full costume shake the bells and visit each and every home in the area in a customary manner.
Myth has it that with the arrival of the Theyyams - Adi, Vedan and Marutha - symbolic of the divine powers of Siva and Parvathy, the misery and diseases in each home dissipate and are replaced by welfare and well being.
But in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the Theyyams cannot roam around and perform and this has affected their livelihood. Ironically, the Theyyams, who are believed to bring goodness and prosperity to all the homes in the region are now going through times of paucity.
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One full season of Theyyattam was affected during the COVID lockdown period. Now, with the spike in local transmission cases and more vigil to check the spread of coronavirus, Karkidaka Theyyam performers are badly hit.
During these COVID times, even the ‘Kutti Theyyangal’ remain at home and ensure that they are part of raising a preventive wall against the pandemic.
The Theyyam artists have completely abstained from performing this time, realising that the transmission of COVID-19 pandemic can be checked only by staying home and avoiding contact with people as far as possible.
Adi Vedans, the Theyyam performers who actively stage Theyyam performances ritualistically during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam in the North Malabar region, are the ones who remain at their homes now.
