Theyyam words explained

The words you will hear around a ritual in North Malabar, in plain English. Meanings can vary by shrine and family, so treat these as a starting point and ask your guide.

Theyyam

From the word daivam, god. The ritual in which the koladhari, after hours of preparation, is believed to become the deity. Also called Kaliyattam, which is more often used for the festival. Source: Theyyam (Wikipedia).

Kolam

The form of the deity that a Theyyam takes, as in Theyyakkolam. People speak of someone “taking the kolam”, which means bearing the deity’s form.

Kaliyattam

The yearly festival of a shrine, grove or family house in North Malabar, held over one to several nights, in which Theyyams appear one after another. The word is also used loosely for Theyyam itself. Kaliyattams are community occasions that often draw very large crowds, so they are not the best first encounter. The season runs from about late October to May. See Kaliyattam 2027. Source: Theyyam (Wikipedia).

Perumkaliyattam

A very large Kaliyattam, held at long intervals, in which many Theyyams are held over several days. Sources give different intervals; Kerala Tourism says twelve years or more. See Kaliyattam 2027. Source: Kerala Tourism.

Ottakolam

A Theyyam that appears on its own, commonly explained as “a single kolam”, rather than together with other Theyyams. The word is often used for fire-linked forms such as Theechamundi and Vishnumoorthi, where the koladhari goes through a rite with embers. We found this meaning in a Wikipedia article and in general usage, not in a scholarly source, so please check it with a local guide. Source: Vishnumoorthy Theyyam (Wikipedia).

Thottam and Vellattam

The first part of a Theyyam, held without full make-up or attire, with only a small red headdress. The koladhari sings or recites the story of the deity with the drummers. Source: Theyyam (Wikipedia).

Mudi

The sacred headdress. Placing it on the koladhari is described as the moment the deity enters. Night rituals may use a smaller mudi than the day ritual. Source: Theyyam (Wikipedia).

Mukhathezhuthu

Face painting, done by specialists in patterns that belong to each Theyyam, using natural colours. Source: Kerala Folklore: Bhairavan Theyyam.

Aniyara

The green room, a simple shelter near the grove where the koladhari is made up and dressed. A lamp is kept there, and in one account it is understood as the presence of God. Source: Polika: Theyyam rituals.

Purappadu

Roughly “coming forth”: the moment the fully dressed deity sets out from the green room towards the shrine ground. We found this word only in a few popular sources, so its use may vary.

Kalasam / kalasham

A word with more than one use. In some sources it is the closing stage, when the deity departs. In another it is a vessel with offerings placed on one side of the grove. In Wikipedia’s article, kalaasams are the eight sets of ritual footwork. Source: Theyyam (Wikipedia).

Kuri

A mark of blessing given by the deity, described in one account as dried turmeric and rice powder. Some deities use sacred ash instead. Source: Polika: Theyyam rituals.

Koladhari

The person who wears the kolam: the one through whom the deity is understood to appear. Source: Polika: Theyyam rituals.

Kavu

A sacred grove or small shrine, often the setting for a Theyyam. Source: Theyyam (Wikipedia).

Tharavad

An ancestral family home. Many Theyyams are kept by a tharavad as its family deity. Source: Theyyam (Wikipedia).

Madappura

A shrine of Muthappan. It has no idol or flagstaff and is open to people of all communities. Source: Muthappan (Wikipedia).

Banku

The Muslim call to prayer. Some Mappila Theyyams begin with it. Source: Mappila Theyyam (Wikipedia).