A traditional art form of Kerala

Thaiyyam

Thaiyyam is a traditional art form associated with temples in northern districts of Kerala state in India. It is performed in different forms and considered as the replica of God. Vellakettu, Vellattu and Vishwaroopam are the three phases the thaiyyam has.

Thaiyyam is performed with the playing of musical instructions like Chenda (traditional drum), Elathalam (bell) and Kuzhal (pipe). Confined in the flow of changing time, the thaiyyam, once considered as the symbol of all progress and prosperity to the agrarian community who were living under the shadow of calamities, is losing its soul. Modern society has already forgotten thaiyyam, the entirely pure symbol of ancient civilization, folklore and rich heritage.

Among a wide varieties of thaiyyam, the one which performed as part of Onam Celebration at Sur Beach Hotel Auditorium on September 11th was Kuttichathan. It is said that Kuttichathan itself is in about sixty-four kinds. One among them is Pookuttichathan. It was a difficult task for organizers and participants to arrange its costume in Oman due to various limitations. Yet, within the limitations, with the efforts few artists, they have made the costumes almost perfection. The thaiyyam was performed by Chandran Kandoth. It was well accepted by the audience packed at the Sur Beach Hotel Auditorium with pin drop silence.

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