Theyyam: Maari Theyyams
Story Dated: Tuesday, November 29, 2005 22:2 hrs IST
The ritualistic dance form, 'theyyams' are very much part of the social fabric of Malabar. And if it is monsoon, it is the turn of 'maaritheyyams' to reach out to the villagers. Because it is believed that 'maaritheyyams' are capable of keeping the evils of 'karkidakam' at bay.
The 'maaritheyyams' usually begin their odyssey after paying their tribute to the 'maadayikavilamma'. From the Maadayikavu the 'maaritheyyams' first reach the abode of Polla before leaving for other destinations.
The 'theyyams' that perform during monsoon time are 'maarikuliyan', 'maaripottan', 'maamaripottan', 'maarikkalichi', 'maamaarikkalichi', and 'maarikkaluvan'. At Maadayikavu the 'maaritheyyams' are performed under the leadership of 'vattyampolla'.
