THEEYATTU

Theeyattu is one of the traditional art rituals performed to appease goddess Devi as Bhadrakaali or say Kali. This ritual is originated from the region where Dravidian and tribal culture was strong.

Theeyattu has a close resemblance to the sorcery and black magic followed by South American and African tribal.

Theeyattu is normally performed in Kavu. Kavu is quite different from temple. Most of the Kavus are unsheltered and the deities are accommodated below large tree or trees, say grove. The rituals like Theeyattu and Mudiyettu are aimed at pleasing goddess so that she wards off contagious diseases such as chicken pox, small pox etc.

Theeyattu is mainly popular in central Kerala. Like other art rituals, Theeyattu is also accompanied by some mandatory rituals associated with Kali.

Kalam Ezhuth: Kalam Ezhuth or Kalamezhuth is a process of multi-colour powder drawing of the figure of the goddess. No tools whatsoever are used. The figure is drawn by hand using thumb and index finger. The drawing is done in a Pandal (temporary roofed space). Where there is permanent hall, the drawing is done there. In most cases there shall be no permanent hall.

The figure is drawn in strict adherence of set pattern. The powders used are similar to that used for Mudiyettu drawing. The five colours used – white, black, green, red and yellow – represent Panchabootas – five elements of the universe, namely, water, air, fir, earth and sky. The materials used are rice powder for white; burnt paddy husk powder for black; turmeric powder for yellow; lime powder mixed with turmeric powder for red; dried and powdered leaves of Acacia for green.

Kalamezhuth is usually started in noon. The figure drawn is of Bhadrakaali in agitated posture after killing Daarika. Out of her eight hands, six hands hold weapons like sword, spear, discus, bow, pestle etc. Out of the remaining two hands, one holds aloft the severed head of Daarika and the other a platter to collect the blood draining from the severed head.

After the Kalamezhuthu is over, the rituals get started with songs singing in praise of Lord Ganapathi, Lord Siva, other gods and goddess Saraswathi to the charging of drum beating and gongs. Before the initiation of singing lighted large oil lamps made of bell metal or brass are positioned around the Kalam.

Sandhyakottu (percussion concert at dusk): Various percussion instruments such as Chenda (high-pitch drum), Veekam (low-pitch drum), Elathalam (metal cymbals) etc are used. This is virtually an announcement-cum-invitation to the close and near by inhabitants.

Ethirelppu (welcoming): The idol of the Kavu or temple is taken out around the Kavu or temple. During this procedure girls will hold Thalam (metal platter containing oil lamp placed in half portion of the coconut, rice and flowers) to the accompaniment of percussion concerts.

Kalam Pattu (singing of songs after sitting in front of figure drawn): The performers sing songs in praise of the goddess to the accompaniment of percussion concerts.

Gurudi (tantric ritual to appease evil spirits): This ritual is performed before Theeyattu is performed. Evil spirits are appeased as they were very helpful to the goddess in her ordeal period.

Theeyattu: Theeyattu is done by a sole performer called Theeyattunni. Theeyattunni costumed like that of Bhadrakaali, sans head gear, appears in the scene, holding a lighted big ball oil lamp. Once in the scene, he starts chanting hymns to invoke the blessings of gods for the success of the performance and for the well-being of the devotees around and that of villagers around and wears the head gear. This moment onward he is supposed to be Bhadrakaali and his performance hereafter is akin to Bhadrakaali reporting the killing of Daarika to her father Siva who is represented by the lighted oil lamp he is holding. The performance prolongs to several chants, thandavanrittam (ferocious dancing), gesticulations and gestures. Gestures are through Hastha Mudra (hand gestures). The performance concludes with the killing of Daarika.