KANNUR AS FOLKLORE DESTINATION

by NIDHi

Kannur ,formerly known as Cannanore, is a city and a Municipal Corporation in the district, state of Kerala, 518 km north of state capital Thiruvananthapuramcradle of many a colourful folk art form like Theyyam

The district is bound by the Western Ghats in the East (Coorg district of Karnataka State)

Kozhikkode and Wayanad districts, in the South, Lakshadeep sea in the West and Kasaragod, the northern most district of Kerala, in the North.

:::::::::::: KANNUR :::::::::::::: KANNUR :::::::::::::::

latitudes 11° 40' to 12° 48' North and longitudes 74° 52' to 76° 07' East. (kannur)

INTRODUCTION TO THEYYAM

predominant in the Kolathunadu area (consisting of present-day Kannur Districts,kasargod Mananthavady,Wayanad & Kodagu and Tulu nadu of Karnataka

Kannur is one of the leading place which gives fore-most importance to folk arts and for preserving traditional and ancient cultures

For our ancestors art is nothing but life. so that it is very difficult to single out the folk art from their routine life contd>

People consider Theyyam itself as a God and they seek blessings

Theyyam is a popular ritual form of worship

Theyyam is an artistic dance form & worship

The performer of Theyyam gets himself completely into the artistic rhythm.

Even when the dancer breaks coconut against his forehead, cuts his forehead with the sword, or wears red-hot iron chain on his body as a mark of self-torture, he never goes out of rhythm.

performance of Theyyam is to make life prosperous and remove all hazards.

Theyyam is performed between the 10th day of Thulam (Malayalam month corresponding to mid-October /mid-November) and middle of Idavam (Malayalam month corresponding to mid-May/mid-June). This is the period between the completion of the year’s harvest and preparations for the next year’s harvest. This period for Theyyam is the time for prayers for a good harvest, prosperity and general social solidity.

Temple/Kavu (Devastanam) - Usually Theyyam performes at Kavu

Vishnumoorthy, Puthiyabhagawathi, Pottan, Kathivanoor Veeran, Gulikan, Rakthachaamunnddi, Madayilchaamunnddi, Vayanaattu Kulavan, Kutty Shaashsthan, are the popular Theyyam forms. It is estimated that there are about 450 Theyyam forms.

Costumes - Man to God, costumes makes this transition IN THEYYAM ONLY NATURAL COSTUMES ARE USED FOR MAKE UP

The Kerala Folklore AcademyKizhakkekara KovilakamChirakkal P.O.Kannur, Kerala - 670011Tel: +91 497 2778090Web: www.folkloremuseum.in

The Kerala Folklore Academy

For those keen to follow and understand the artistic heritage during their visits to Kerala, it would be an ideal choice to visit at The Kerala Folklore Academy, located at Chirakkal in Kannur, Established in 1995 by the Government of Kerala

welfare of the folk artistes is the prime concern, ensuring the welfare of folk artistes , preserving and promoting the rich folk art traditions of Kerala. is located by the side of the beautiful Chirakkal Lakeit function in traditionally built structure called nalukettu and presently houses a folklore library

SREE MUTHHAPPAN TEMPLE

Sree Muthappan is the most popular God in the North Malabar. Muthappan is (also a theyyam) performed in the famous Muthappan temple in Parassinikkadavu 16 km north of Kannur town

Kottiyoor Shiva Temple located at Kottiyoor, is one of the a famous Lord Shiva temple of North Malabar. This temple is located approximately 50 km From Kottayam Malabar. This Shiva Temple also known as the Kaasi of South (Dakshina Kaasi).

Sree Andalurkavu is a famous and prominent temple in Andalur in Dharmadam village of Kannur dist.

This old temple is in the name of Lord Rama and the main festival is celebrated in mid-February

Being a part of North Malabar, in Andalur kavu (also theyyam or theyaattam) is the main ritual of worship. It is one of the rare places where Yuddha kanda of Ramayana — the great epic — is visualised and performed. The main deities are Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Hanuman

Madayi Kavu PazhayangadiThis is avery famous temple of Lord Bhagavathi. The annual festival of 'Pooram Kuli' is attended by thousands of people from all the four districts of North Malabar. The Madayi Kavu is situated over Madayi hills of Pazhayangadi town.

Sree Jagannath Temple, ThalasseryIt is situated near Temple Gate Railway Station, about one K/m from Thalassery Town. Idol Shivalingam was erected by Sreenarayana Guru in 1908

Sri MavilayikkavuThis temple is located in Mavilayi village about 13 km from Kannur town. The temple is famous for "ADI UTSAVAM" . God DAIVATTAR(VISHNU), VETTAKARUMAKAN, GANAPATI AND BHAGAVATI are the main deities in the temple.

A new international airport is under construction at Moorkhanparamba near Mattanur in Kannur

Kannur is an ancient sea port. The nearest all-weather sea port is Mangaluru in Karnataka state. Azhikkal port in Kannur has been included for developing coastal shipping by the Government of India under the National Maritime Development Programme (NMDP)

Other attractions in kannur

Muzhappilangad Beach (India’s Only Drive In Beach)

madayipara

Kerala is the first state in India declare tourism as an industry

Recommendations

Take the tourists into confidence and present friendlyhospitality to them.

Provide special attention and care to tourists.

eco-tourism and towards nature

Get feedback from tourists.

Distribute tourism publicity materials at airports.

Start more tourism information centers.

Organise cultural programmes with the participation of foreign tourists.

THANK YOU & ALL THE BLESSINGS FROM THEYYAM