Folk Arts

Malabar is rich and colorful in folk arts. The best known of them are:

Theyyam: is a ritual art performed since ancient days in North Malabar. In this form of art, a man will be fabricated as God’s symbol. In Kadathanadan Area, Theyyam is known as Thirra. The performance is conducted on a stage called Theyya-thara in this area. There are around 400 types of Theyyams. The weird head-hoods, colourful attires and body painting and dazing performances are amazing. Each type has a distinguishing headgear and costume made out of natural materials like coconut leaves and bark. Musical accompaniments are chenda, elathalam, and kuzhal. Thottam Pattu is vocal ballad sung just before performing Theyyam ritual. These are played in Theyyam temples before the commencement of Theyyam Art.

Vadakkan Pattukal : The Ballads of North Malabar or the Vadakkan Pattukal extol the adventures of brave men and women of North Malabar, set against a feudal and medieval background, the stories celebrate the valour and skills of the renowned characters. The Vadakkan Pattukal reflects the peak of Kerala folk-poetry and these ballads are associated with Kadathanadu of North Malabar.

Poorakkali: Poorakkali is a ritualistic folk art of North Malabar. This is a traditional art form performed by a group of people chanting the holy verses from 'Ramayana' or 'Bagavata'. This is a type of dance performed by exclusively male members of the society during the nine day Pooram festival in Bhagavathy temples. Payyannur, Trikaripur and nearby places like Vengara, Ramanthali, Karivellur, are very famous for this art form

Kolkali: Kolkali is an exclusive traditional art of North Malabar. This is the one and only Folk Art which is performed by two religions viz. Hindus and Muslims. This art is also performed and conducted by Men and Women. Muslim Kolkali is bit different from Hindu's Kolkali. Muslims perform this art as a form of entertainment during social gatherings and marriages. Whereas the Hindus perform this at the temple festivals. With its rapid limb movements and simultaneous chanting of folksongs, Kolkali draw the attention of one and all. The players moving in pairs, hit their batons (koles) to the opponent’s one in a methodical way in tune with folksongs sung in an enchanting manner. It is played according to Vaithari or Thalam by the Gurukkal (Teacher).