Theyyam is a ritual dance that has origin in north Malabar region (kannur to be specific), traced to indigenous people that could be thousands of years old, subsequently influenced by Brahaminical Hinduism (one need add though that Theyyam has nothing to do with brahminical traditions except few influences in narrations. It remains more Dravidian than Aryan unlike Kathakali- that is dance form story telling). There are many traditions in this region that has elements from Neolithic period, Theyyam has such traits. There are mentions of Theyyam even in ancient Tamil Sangam literature. Theyyam though cannot be seen only as a ritual dance it is a direct link to god for people. That an ordinary man after certain physical and spiritual rituals (that takes few hours) can don the costume of a deity can be transformed into the same is nothing short of spectacular. The reason why the costumes and demeanor are fierce, to create awe, fear. The make-up is fiery red with amazing designs that has symbolic significance, while the costumes are meant to create a bigger and larger presence. The attire is meticulously crafted and change with different Gods. Sometimes even local heroes are elevated to godly status in collective memory through Theyyam.
The human becomes a god. In this state he attains supernatural and divine power. Speaking and moving like god with accompanying drums (chenda) heightening the movements subsequently frenzy taking over as he circulates temple ground. In the meantime it goes gruesome with hens being sacrificed and blood spilling around burning lamps. It is visually overwhelming. Thousands of years back even humans were known to be sacrificed. The fearsome God is here!!. After an hour or so the ‘god’ settles down to bless (even heal). People crowd around to get blessings of god, who is also generous with advice. This ritual could stretch to few more hours. It was an amazing experience for this blogger (more snaps in photo blog). 
