Theyyam

Behind its luxuriant coconut groves and paddy fields lies another Kerala: ancient, strange and private. Here simple country people inhabit a traditional universe ordered by rituals connecting them with the Divine. Most important of these is theyyam: 'the dance of the gods'.

In a theyyam performance, which may last all night, the divine force – often the Great Goddess or Shiva, sometimes an ancestor, great hero or serpent spirit – possesses the body of the dancer and acts through it to bless the community. The gathering, held in locations separate from the brahmin temples, is held spellbound by hypnotic chants and music. The dancer's costume, make-up and mask are magnificent, while the headdress, the most important feature, can be up to six metres in height.

Theyyam may bless a childless couple with offspring, cure an illness, ensure a good harvest or drive away troublesome spirits. But divine possession also opens up a realm of supernatural possibility: the dancer may display immunity to fire or weapons, or the spectators, numbering a few hundred or many thousands, may see him appear in two places at once.

The Hermitage is right in the middle of theyyam country, and we are delighted to offer our guest access to authentic performances.

Dates of local Theyyam festivals in 2009:
October:	28th - 31st
November:	01 - 02nd ; 18th ; 23rd; 27th - 30th .
December:	01 - 02nd; 06th - 08th ; 11th - 14th ; 23rd - 25th.