The region known as Malabar in north Kerala is noted for its captivating landscape and unique cultural traits. Even during the period of the rainy season, occasions for festivities doesn't cease in Kerala. In the Malabar region, with the onset of the South West Monsoon (first week of June) comes a 28-day festival, held at the Kottiyur Temple dedicated to Lord Siva. It has its proceedings going unhindered during the rains and is attended by thousands.
As the South West Monsoon enters its final stages during the Malayalam month of Karkatakam (roughly June 15 - August 15), it signals the arrival of a distinct group of theyyams. Majority of these theyyams are performed in the month of Karkadakam, with some during the early part of the Malayalam month Chingam (roughly August 15 - Sept 15). These theyyams are different in size and form compared to the ones that are witnessed during the main theyyam season in Kerala that starts from October to May every year.
Karkataka theyyams include characters like Adi Vedan, Karkadothi, Galinjan, Kaalan, Jogi and Maari Theyyam, which again has six characters namely Maari Kaliyan, Maamaya Kaliyan, Maari Kalichi, Maamaya Kalichi, Maari Kuliyan and Maamaya Kuliyan. These theyyams appearing during the Malayalam month of Karkataka visit households and are worshiped by people to ward off diseases and hardships that come with the rainy season. These theyyam characters represent various gods, goddesses and heroic characters as per Hindu religious belief.
Following the season of Karkataka comes the season of prosperity Onam, celebrated by Malayalees in the Malayalam month of Chingam, which corresponds to the months of August / September. In the Malabar region, this festive season witnesses the arrival of two theyyam characters viz. Ona Thaar and Ona Pottan.
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Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, Park View, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India - 695 033
Phone: +91-471-2321132 Fax: +91-471-2322279.
