Sreekandapuram: Ahead of the Theyyam season in North Malabar, a Theyyam ritual was performed at Nidiyenga Melalikkavu here.

Traditionally, the season of Theyyam performances begins in North Malabar during the Malayalam month of Thulam. However, at Nidiyenga Melalikkavu, the Theyyam performance is staged on the 25th day of the Chingam month in connection with the Puthari Adiyantharam ritual.

As part of this ritual, performances of Daivathareeswaran and Shambhongyar were held at Melalikkavu. Located within the premises of Nidiyenga GUP School, the Melalikkavu performance, staged soon after the Onam festival, attracts a large crowd every year. It also carries the distinction of being the first Theyyam performance to be staged after the monsoon season.