theyyam

Third day in Kannur- Theyyam ceremonyThe next day we went to see a Theyyam. Theyyam means something like a "deity" or "god" or "oracle". what happens is that some people meditate, get make up and dressed in gigantic costumes, and dance around and give blessing to people. some simple people believe them to be the gods themselves walking amongst us, some believe them to be just oracles or middle-men for the gods, and some see this just as a cultural show, to keep for heritage and as a social meeting place.
each Theyyam looks different, and they represent different gods or saints with a unique story to each of them.
The Theyya tells the story of a young brahmin woman who against customs studied the vedas and worshipped god. the brahmins gave her a test to see if she is worthy: the told her: "if you can answer two questions then you are worthy. 1) what is the most sublime pleasure in the world?" to which the woman replied plainly: "it is sex". and then the brahmins asked: "and what is the most terrible pain in the world?" the saintly, wise vigin woman answered "it is birthgiving". then the brahmins thought that she had had forbidden unmarried sex and had a child and so is unworthy. the woman was very upset and wanted to show them she was guiltless, so she threw herself into the fire and died, and immidiatly reincarnated and became alive again. then the gods themselves proclaimed her innocent and a saint.
We were fortunet enough to come to a Theyyam ceremony that displayed only once in 20 years. the day was scorching hot and it was packed full of people (Thousands of people). We got into the inner sanctum where only few poeple were allowed, and could see the sight from a fairly comfortable possition.