Kothamuri Theyyam
Kothamuri Theyyam or Kothamuriyattam was a ritual Theyyam art form that existed in Kerala, especially in the Kolathur region. This Theyyam is performed in the Malayalam month of Thulam after the first harvest. Kothamuri is a Theyyam that goes from house to house like the Mari Theyyam and the Aadi Vedan Theyyam. Kothamuri, which was performed in the countryside for fertility worship, is a rural art form that has largely disappeared today.
The custom of Kothamuri is to start from the main Kavus of the respective places and go from house to house to perform a procession in the courtyard of the house. Kothamuriyattam is an art form that worships a divine cow that was worshipped by the Gopalakan who came to northern Kerala from the banks of the Gotavari. Kotha means child and Muri means cow. Kothamuri is also known as Godavari and Kotari.
The Kothamuri Theyyam has a small crown on its head and a cow face-shaped decoration on its waist, which is called Kothari Thatt. The Kothamuri Thatt is made by folding reeds. The face is painted red and simple goat ornaments are worn on this Theyyam. The Kothamuri Theyyam is usually performed by boys. The Kothamuri Theyyam is accompanied by two Paniyars. The Paniyars are the caretakers of the Kothamuri cattle. The Paniyars wear a face mask, a cow skin around their waist and a poikat. In some places, there are up to four Paniyars.
In the past, the Kothamuri Theyyam was performed in the month of Thulam with the permission of the Chirakkal Thampuran. It is believed that by dancing around the house, diseases affecting livestock and agriculture will be eradicated and agriculture will prosper. Since more than half an hour has to be spent in each house for the Kothamuri procession, it takes ten to fifteen days to go to all the houses in the village. When Kothamuri comes, a lamp, a plate, a water bottle and rice seeds are prepared in the house to welcome him. As soon as he reaches the house, the Kothamuri and the paniyars will circle it. Then they will sing songs. After the song is sung, the family will give them rice, money and clothes. In some places, the Kothamuri song is sung while walking around the cowshed.
The Kothamuri song also tells the legends about Cherukunnu Annapurneshwari Devi, the clan goddess of Kolathiri. The Kothamuri song describes Annapurneshwari, who was born in the Aryan land, and her desire to live in the land of Kolaththiri.
