Thidambu Nritham

North Kerala is well renowned for its deep rooted culture and tradition. That part of Kerala is better known as Malabar region homes several prominent religious destinations that make it a heaven for several unique religious and ritual art forms including Theyyam. Thidambu Nritham is one such ritual art form.

This traditional art form is mainly performed by Namboothiris or sometimes members of the Braahmanan community, the people of the community serves as priest in Hindu temples. Even after the death of Vethiramana Sreedharan Namboodiri, who is considered as the father of Thidambu Nritham., this ritual art form continues to retain its originality.

Thidambu Nritham is fully controlled by rhythm of the percussion instrument, it could be considered as a pure dance form. Even though experts consider this as a ritualistic art form Thidambu Nritham has not been included in the list of temple art forms of Kerala. The performer carrying the direct manifestation of the deity called “Thidambu” on his head will dance according to the rhythm of the percussion instrument played by “Maaraar”, hereditary drummer in temples.

Normally during temple festivals idols are carried on top of elephant for procession and the replicas of the deity will be carried on the shoulder. But dancing with the replicas on the head is the speciality of Thidambu Nritham. The origin of this ritual art cannot be traced. It is believed that the Braahmanans who had migrated to the North of Kerala at the time of Chirakkal Raja might have introduced this dance form that has similarity with “Darsana Bali”, a ritual art form of Karnataka.

Replicas with beautiful frame and intricate designs are made using bamboo. Priest of the temple will be the performer. After completing the usual rituals he comes out of the sanctorum, stand under the flag and by holding the replica that weights about 10 kg-30 kg on his head will begin the divine dance in tune with the rhythm of percussion instrument.

Thidambu Nritham begins with "Kotti Urayikkal", drumming in different rhythm, which would persuade the performer and the viewer to an equal extent. The performer will dance with the rhythm holding the “Thidambu” on his head and will create a holy atmosphere.

This unique ritual art form has undergone changes over the period of time. Even though the basic concepts of Thidamabu Nritham have not changed, slight change happened in its Thaalam, which has added more novelty and variety to this art.