Kasaragod: A young man collapsed after being struck on the head with a wooden shield by a Theyyam in Nileshwar.

The incident occurred during the ‘vellattam’ ritual of the Poomaruthan deity at the Vishnumoorthi temple festival at Pallikkara near the railway road overbridge in Nileshwar.

In this ritual form of Theyyam, the performer traditionally holds a sword in one hand and a wooden shield in the other. The performance is marked by vigorous movements, including twirling the shield and swinging the sword in rhythm.

As part of the customary practice, the Theyyam performer is known to strike the ‘valyakars’ -- ritual assistants associated with the temple -- and sometimes even onlookers with the shield. Residents said the ‘valyakars’ typically gather around the performer, shouting and urging him on, both to receive the blows and to heighten the ritual's intensity.

During Saturday’s performance, however, the wooden shield wielded by Poomaruthan Theyyam struck a resident, Manu, with considerable force on the head. Manu immediately collapsed and lost consciousness. The other devotees halted the ‘vellattam’ and initiated rescue efforts.

The injured youth was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was administered first aid. Doctors later confirmed that he had not sustained any serious injuries, following which he was discharged. Manu’s relatives said he was doing better.

The incident has sparked concern among sections of residents, who have called for stronger safety measures and clearer controls during festival rituals. While acknowledging that Theyyam and ‘vellattam’ are integral to temple traditions, they stressed the need to ensure that performers, ritual assistants, and spectators are not exposed to risk.

Temple authorities said discussions have been held with those concerned and that appropriate follow-up steps will be taken in connection with the incident.

Last February, devotees assaulted a Theyyam after he threatened a child who, while fleeing from the ritual, injured himself at Thillankeri in Kannur.

In November 2019, the State Human Rights Commission registered a suo moto case after a Theyyam thrashed many devotees with a baton at Kanhangad in Kasaragod district. Though many were injured in the attack during the ritual of Moovalamkuzhi Chamundi Theyyam at the Arayil Devi temple, no police complaint was registered.

Another ritual of Gulikan Theyyam chasing children with a burning torch has also come under criticism from some quarters.