Monsoon theyyam

The last month of the Malayalam calendar, Karkatakam (July 17 to August 16) falls towards the end of southwest monsoon and signals the arrival of the Monsoon Theyyam. Karkataka Theyyams are performed by boys under the age of 13. They visit houses and Temples to ward off diseases, hardships and evil spirits that may come during the rainy season.

These Theyyams represent various Goddesses, Gods and heroic characters as they perform simple dance steps to the accompaniment of bells and other percussion instruments. The narrative song during the performance is usually sung by the father, uncle or elderly male member of the boy’s family.