Thursday, December 8, 2011

Thira- the Theyyam of Calciut

 “Thira” is another form of traditional folklore like Theyyam. Thira is most common in Kozhikode District Kerala. The most outstanding of the folk arts of Kerala, especially in the northern regions. Also called Thirayattam, (because every thira or village performed this ritualistic art at the village temple). This primitive ritualistic art demands long hours of preparation. The Theyyam or Kolam, represents a mythological, divine or heroic character. There are over 350 Theyyams in northern Kerala. The hood, headdress, face painting, breast plate, bracelets, garlands and fabric of attire of each of these kolams are distinct and meticulously crafted according to the character presented. The instruments used are chenda and veekuchenda (drums), elathalam and kuzhal (horn). This art form is mostly performed in Bhagavathy temples. Performances are carried out between October and May. Thira is the major subdivision of Theyyam.  It is the furious form of God and hence this performance is done after midnight.  Dressing and make-up of this is little fearsome.  Kuttichathan Thira is more interesting because while dressing him up only people around him will start singing legend of Kuttichathan.  At this point in time, God himself will get into his body and he starts blessing each one of the devotees   Gulikan Thira was dressed very simple with coconut tree leaves when it was started but in the middle of the “Thira” there is a custom of putting a face mask which was designed as the face of a devil.  This was actually depicting the furious face of Gulikan   He has to carry a long head dress made of bamboo splicing decorated with clothes and flowers.  This is very much difficult to balance as it is very long as much as more than 50 feet.  This Thira also ends with blessing the devotees, answering queries, and providing solutions.

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