Theyyam: Theyyam or Kaliyattom is performed in the Temples of Malabar. A section of this art is known as Thira which represents lives of great heroes. It is usually performed by people of the backward community and is supposed to be nine centuries old. The performer after wearing a silk cloth round the waist and a crown on his head stands with devotion in front of the Devi Temple and recites thottam describing the origin of the Theyyam he is about to perform. The Theyyam gets possessed and performs a rhythmic dance called urayal when the deity enters the body of the Theyyam. The next ritual is called the Uriyattu Kalpana, when the devotees explain their problems to the Theyyam and in return the Theyyam explains how these difficulties may be overcome. Devo-tees offer money to the Theyyam. Different types of instruments like drum, symbols etc. are used as back-ground music for the dance. It is performed at night and torches made of dried coconut leaves are used to light up the place. The Theyyam wears heavy makeup, masks, head gear bangles etc. The Potten and Gulikan Theyyams wear heavy facial make up and masks. They also use weapons such as swords, bows and arrows in addition to the colourful costumes. Koodiyattom: The earliest classical dramatic artform of Kerala, Koodiyattom is based on Bharatha’s Natya Sastra evolved in the 9th century AD. Once staged only inside the temple theatre Koodiyattom represents events from mythology. Koodiyattom is performed by two or more characters. The UNESCO has recognised this artform has been the part of world heritage
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