KANNUR: Deep colour and sound once again stood out as the new theyyam season began in Kannur recently. Equally striking was the CPM’s silent political campaign to use it to connect with the people of the district. The party feels the ritual art form reflects the quintessence of Communism - the suppressed people’s voice with a revolutionary tone.
For the Left, mainly the CPM in Kannur, Theyyam is not just a ritual dance performed to the rhythm set by percussion instruments but a major cultural movement that helped the party bind with the people of the district.
It is a fact theyyams like Kathivannur Veeran and Wayanad Kulavan represent common people who became martyrs fighting feudalism and feudal lords.
Now, almost all theyyam festivals enjoy the strong support of the respective local CPM units. In fact, the premises of Kollacherry Shree Chathamballi Vishakandan Kshethram, where the first theyyam was performed on the 10th day of Malayalam month of Thula (October 26), was decked up with party flags and banners.
“The conduct of theyyams and festivals in kavus (sacred groves) and shrines in Kannur obviously have the party’s patronage because they are an integral part of the people of Kannur. We don’t do it for any political mileage. Theyyams resonate the voice of the suppressed people who attained martyrdom fighting injustice and feudalism,” said M Prakashan, a senior CPM leader of Kannur.
Over 450 theyyams representing various local deities as well as legendary and mythological characters take place during the seven-month-long campaign.
Sanjeevan Azhikode, a researcher, said, “The arrival of Gulf money revived the festivals. Theyyams are not just rituals for the Left parties, but an art form of revolution and they started supporting it.”