Theyyam community protests show in UAE
KANNUR: Renowned theyyam artist E P Narayanan Peruvannan has been barred from performing the sacred ritual following his refusal to apologise for a controversial performance in Ajman, UAE, last month. The performance had sparked a heated debate among theyyam practitioners and temple committees over perceived violations of customs and rituals.
A group of 13 artists, including Narayanan Peruvannan, staged the main theyyams of north Malabar, including Kadankottu Makkavum Makkalum, Vishnumoorthy, Gulikan, and Sasthappan on November 24 at a sports club in Ajman, an act that drew sharp criticism from sections of the theyyam community. Many accused the artists of disrespecting the sanctity of the ritual, leading to their collective ban from performing in theyyam sacred groves, or kavus, for a year.
The State Malayan Community Development Association wrote to Chirakkal Kovilakam, urging it to revoke the ceremonial status granted to the artists. The association emphasised that theyyam artists swear an oath to uphold the purity of traditional rituals and practices.
“Some individuals are violating these vows by performing theyyam on public stages, streets, and even in luxury hotels,” the letter said. “We request that the Kovilakam reclaim their ceremonial rings and restore the sanctity of these rituals.”
The Valapattanam Muchilottukavu Bhagavathy temple, where Narayanan Peruvannan traditionally performs the Muchilottu Bhagavathy Kolam, has decided to replace him this year.
“Narayanan Peruvannan was always our first choice, but we must adhere to customs. This year, we selected another koladhari (theyyam performer),” Shaji, a temple committee member, said.
Meanwhile, Narayanan Peruvannan said he hasn’t apologised for his actions. “We followed all the rituals and customs before performing at Ajman,” he told TNIE.
While Narayanan Peruvannan, a Padma Shri awardee, remains defiant, stating that all rituals were adhered to before the Ajman performance, some of his co-artists have expressed regret. “We performed Theyyakolam under the impression that it was suitable for houses and fields during festivals,” said Koladhari Prasoon at a press meet in Kannur.
“We now realise that our actions have caused pain to believers. We deeply regret the inconvenience and assure the community that this will not happen again.”
Venu Ayyankavu, district president of the Vishnumurthy Wayanad Kulavan Velayappadu Paripalana Sangham, criticised the commercialisation of theyyam.
“Sacred kolams meant for tharavadu moolasthanams (ancestral shrines) and kavus were performed abroad, making devotees feel betrayed,” he said. “Who gave them permission to use sacred rituals for financial gain? It is shameful that government-honoured artists are at the forefront of this debacle.”
Meanwhile, some theyyam enthusiasts have raised concern over the ban.
“The artists who performed in Ajaman have already made it clear that those kolams were usually performed on fields, which is a public place. However, these days decisions are made in WhatsAapp groups and other social media platforms. It is unfortunate that the sole Padma Shri recipient from the community has been banned from performing,” remarked Prabhakaran Kovoor, an enthusiast.