Kanhangad: Chingam has arrived, and the Karkkidaka Theyyams, which roamed around the land to ward off disease and hunger, have now stepped aside. With the season turning, all eyes now turn to the upcoming Thiruvonam celebrations

Adimasa Theyyams gathered at the courtyard of Madiyan Kulom Temple, the headquarters of Allada Swaroopam, on Saturday morning, marking the transition from Karkkidakam to Chingam. The ritual signaled the end of month-long country visits by the Aadi, Vedan and Galinjan Theyyams. Pradhaana Pooppariyan accorded a reception to the Theyyams, which were brought into the temple courtyard by lighting the Changalavatta vilakku (traditional lamp).

Pradhaana Achanmar, trustee members, Chinku, the ritualist Kolakkaran of Kulom’s main Theyyam Kshethrapalakan and local residents participated. Multiple Theyyams performed together at the temple courtyard after completing the necessary rituals and seeking the permission of the temple authorities.

Old-timers say that the simultaneous performance of all three theyyams at the Madiyan Kulom Kshethrapalakan temple, the headquarters of the Allada lineage, is an age-old tradition.

After the performance at Kulom, all three Theyyams visited and performed at major families in the area, including Kannacham, Thayath, Kekkadan, Patten, Chadacham, Painingal Payagappadan and Meethal, before proceeding to other homes. Kundamkuzhi Panchalingeshwara Temple also hosts the Karkkidaka Theyyams.