Theeyattu is a performing art in some small devi (goddes ) (KAVU)temple in Kerala.This is a traditional art form to worship devi in the form of Bhadrakali (an incarnation of devi).The story depicts Bhadrakali defeating and killing Darika (demon) who spread contagious diseases like chicken pox,small pox etc - in a dance form. Kalam ezuttu(drawing the picture of devi) with natural powders made out of tree skin is done in the morning as part of theyattu.Evening all the oil lamps in and around the temple are lit.The temple is decorated with tender leaves of coconut.
Preliminary rituals before theyattu are
1.Kelikottu-- Crescendo of drums.
2.Thalappoli--young maidens take thalams (plate) with flowers and halved coconut filled with oil and lit. Devi's idol is taken by the main poojary (priest) of the temple, he circles the temple grounds thrice with a procession of melappadam(drums beating) and thalappoli.
In pallipurath kavu near our Mallooor heritage home stay theyattu is performed very often as an offering to devi. It is done in the evening and takes about two hours. It is usually performed by a single artist called theyattunni.Sometimes two artists perform theyattu together.This is called eratta (twins) theeyattu.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
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