Theiyams and Kavus have an inextricable connection with the life and culture of North Kerala. North Kerala has a large number of kavus and tharavads who weave different kinds of theyyas. But in general there are certain practices and rituals followed for centuries to start, continue and conclude theyam.
Kodiyila vangal
Kodiyila vangal (offering in tip of banana leaf) is said to be the ceremony where the performer who come to the center of Kavu and bow down to the eight sides and the Anthithiriya(Priest) who is in charge of the Kavu’s puja, hand over a small banana leaves with a ban wick hung from the Nira Deepam (lamp) in the Palliara(Inside of Kavu). The leaves contain rice, betel nut and sandal paste. The permission to perform the theyyam is given to the performer by the Anthithirian in charge through the ceremony of Kodiyila vangal. The theyyam performer believe that the Aniyara lamp which is kept unlit in the kavu is the concept of God. Performer prays to this Aniyara lamp prior to they perform theyyam or thottam.
Ariyerinju ethirekkal
The chendamela(drums) starts when the performer rushes after kodiyila vangal. Then he sits on the pedestal and wear Thiru mudi (hair ornments). Theyam usually wears his hair facing north and unties his hair facing west. Theyyams like Kativannur Veeran Perumpuzhayachan come out from the aniyara with their hair done. After donning the tirumudi, the kolakaran becomes the real Theyam as a departure ceremony. Then the velichappad(priest) and the devotees welcome the Theyam by throwing rice and theyam throws rice thrice at the Palliyara. This ceremony is known as Ariyerinju ethirelkal.
Kalasham Kayyelkkal
Usually Theyya kavu have a thara (floor) on the north side where the kalasa is placed. On the floor offerings like avil, malar, dry leaves, appam and coconut are placed on the flag leaf. Later coconut flower or areca plant flower is decorated and then the kalasha is placed. There will be coconut toddy in Kalasha Vesal. Vishnu Murthy and Madail Chamundi are decorated with pig faces during Kalasha. Then Kuruti will be performed in the northern part. This is where chicken slaughter takes place. Fierce theyyam like Karinchamundi perform kuruti with goats. During the Wayanad Kulavan Teyatta, the hunted animals were cooked and distributed.
Penavangal
Pena in the word “Penavangal” refers to evil spirits like ghosts and demons. Theyams are believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits. Even penavangal ceremonies can be seen in Kavus when perform theyyam like Vishnu Murthy, Karinchamundi, Alichamundi and Sastappan.
Adayalamedukkal
Adayalamedukkal is a ceremony to bless the devotees of Theyam with kuri(prasadam). During this ceremony, Theyam will start chanting to the devotees. Theyyam kuri is made by mixing dried turmeric and rice powder. This is also called a adayalam. After the attam and other ceremonies are over, Theyam will seek permission from the guardians to give the adayalam, “Now let me give the spirit enough to give the adayalam.” Muthappan, Gulikan and Bhairavan theyas serve basmam instead of turmeric.
Parana
Parana is the ceremony of ritually eating the food given from the kavu. Parana is eaten when theyam ends. Avil, malar, sugarcane, kalkandam and banana are parana substances. Not all Theyyam have a Parana routine. It is customary to cut tender coconut and drink the water on this occasion.
Kariyadi
At the end of the Theyattam, Kariyattikal is an emotional ceremony in which the dignitaries of Theiyam Kav are called and parted. Even if the Theyam is over, the traditional Kariyadi takes place after three days. It is believed that the Theyyams that have come will be there in Kavus area for three days. On the third day, the embers used for theyatam are swept clean. In some places, chenda(drums) are played during the Kariyadi. On this occasion, all the debris that has been created as a part of the festival is cleaned. If the Theyam is done in the house, the name of this ceremony is called ‘vilakkuzhiyuka’.
