Kamballur: With the sacred groves (kavu) across the district coming alive with the onset of the Theyyam season, the stage is now set for the enthralling performances of Mappila Theyyams.

At the Kaliyattam (grand Theyyam festival) held at the Kottayil Tharavadu in Kamballur on the previous night, the Mappila and Karinchamundi Theyyams took centre stage, captivating the audience with their dynamic performances.

When the Mappila Theyyams, draped in silk attire and adorned with headgear, kneel in niskaram (prayer) and raise the vaankuvili (the call of the muezzin), the entire land here that celebrates every faith bows in reverence.

Mappila Theyyams in North Malabar take the stage under various names such as Malom Koolom, Kumbala Arikkadi, Mouvveni Kovilakom, Peralam Chamundeshwarikkavu, Madikkai Kakkatt Kovilakam and Thrikkarippur Pekkadath, each with its own unique legend. Unlike other Theyyam characters that feature thottam paattu (traditional invocation songs), the Mappila Theyyam captivates audiences through its dynamic movements, ritual prayers and expressive gestures.

At the Kottayil Tharavadu Kaliyattam, Valiyachingam donned the role of Mappila Theyyam while Gokul Malom portrayed Karinchamundi. Other Theyyam characters such as Veeran Theyyam, Nattadukkam Theyyam, Vadakke Chamundi, Akko Chamundi and Katumudemma also took the stage during the celebrations.