Once-in-a-lifetime ritual festival, conducted at the
Chirakkal Chamundikottam temple after nearly a century.
A testament to the rich cultural heritage of Kerala, hosting 450,000 participants
Chirakkal Perumkaliyattam
Confessions Of A Monkey-Trapped Prodigal Son Of The God's Own Country
As I turned 50, a profound midlife crisis engulfed me, causing me to realize that I'd become monkey-trapped – caught clinging to an identity I no longer recognized but could not break free from. Three decades ago, I departed my beloved homeland of Kerala, the enchanting southern state of India, fondly hailed as Gods’ Own Country.
KOLATHIRI, CHIRAKKAL KOVILAKAM AND PERUMKALIYATTAM
In the region of Kolathunadu, Theyyam emerged as a ritualistic art form. The Kolathiri kings, renowned for their patronage of art and culture, acknowledged the artistic and spiritual significance of Theyyam and its potential as a means to elevate and foster progress in society. The Chirakkal Kovilakam and the Kolathiri played a pivotal role in nurturing and promoting Theyyam as a significant cultural and religious tradition.
MUPPATHAIVAR Stories
This is the origin story of Muppathaivar, the thirty-five clan deities of the Chirakkal dynasty. Twenty-nine of these were honored by having Theyyams performed in their name, while the remaining six deities are worshiped without Theyyams. The tale of how these pedestals and deities came into existence is vibrant and captivating, and it continues to be narrated by the Theyyam performers, adding to the mythology and mystique of this ancient art form.
INTRODUCTION
Chirakkal Kovilakam's vision of inviting scholars from around the world to serve as ambassadors and conduct research on Theyyam and our incredible culture
End result: the publication of this initiative, a collaborative effort by leading scholars from India and around the world
- by Chirakkal Valiyaraja Uthratathithirunal Ramavarma
Chirakkal Chamundikottam Perumkaliyattam
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Perumkaliyattam festival, which Kovilakam organized after nearly a century at the Chamundikottam temple at Chirakkal in Kannur, Kerala. This once-in-a-lifetime ritual festival is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. It was revived and celebrated for all to enjoy hosting 450,000 spectacular participants.
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Traditionally, Perumkaliyattam is conducted once every 12 years, corresponding to the orbital period of the planet Jupiter. However, regularly organizing this festival proved challenging due to its immense logistical and resource requirements. Despite the Kovilakam's intentions to host Perumkaliyattam on multiple occasions since 1937, the complexities of orchestrating such a large-scale event consistently posed obstacles.
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Chirakkal Kovilakam's vision of inviting the finest scholars from around the world to serve as ambassadors and conduct research on Theyyam and our incredible culture during the Perumkaliyattam.
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That resulted in the publication of this book by the premiere scholars from India and around the world, working collaboratively.
THEYYAM - AN INTRODUCTION to Process and Rituals
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Theyyam, a visually stunning ritualistic art form that has captivated audiences in Kerala, India, for centuries. Discover the myriad facets of this awe-inspiring tradition, known by various names like Theyyattam, Kaliyattam, Theyyam Kettu, and Thirayadiyantharam, depending on the region.