MALAPPURAM: After launching a dedicated WhatsApp group and publishing a performance calendar, theyyam enthusiasts in Malabar have stepped into a more ambitious digital venture. The community has begun building a comprehensive wiki page titled ‘Theyyapperuma’ on the platform Miraheze, aiming to document nearly every known theyyam performed across Kerala.
The community-driven initiative seeks to archive detailed information on nearly 400 theyyams once the project is complete. Each entry will present the mythological origins, ritual practices, costume and make-up traditions, distinctive features, and regional variations associated with the ritual art form.
Organisers say the platform will function as both a visual and textual repository. Photographs and performance videos taken by the enthusiasts will be integrated through embedded hyperlinks, offering readers a layered and immersive understanding of the tradition.
“Theyyam Calendar was one of our biggest projects so far. But the calendar is limited to dates and the kavus where a particular theyyam is performed. Through the wiki page, we aim to provide comprehensive details of all the theyyams and their variations performed in Kerala,” said Prabhakaran Kovoor, founder of the Theyyapperuma Miraheze page.
He noted that the wiki will go beyond mythological narratives and temple locations. It will also spotlight the artists who bring each performance to life. “There are many books on theyyam, but they are not easily accessible to everyone. Initially, my idea was to provide basic information about each theyyam.
Later, I realised that a theyyam performance is not only about the deity. It involves the collective effort of numerous talented artists. From the main performer to the musicians and make-up artists, every performance is the result of immense dedication,” he said.
Designed to be user-friendly for all age groups, the page will feature a structured layout. The homepage will list theyyams performed in Kerala. By selecting a specific theyyam, users will be directed to a dedicated page containing its myth, performance videos, and the kavus where it is staged annually. Details about the artists behind each performance will also be included.
“Our aim is to integrate the Theyyam Calendar into this project. In the future, enthusiasts will not only get the dates and locations of performances, but also their complete historical and cultural background,” Prabhakaran added.
The Theyyapperuma wiki page is expected to be completed within the current season.