Chathamballi Vishakandan Theyyam
Chathamballi Vishakandan is a major Theyyam performed in the early morning on the 10th day of the Malayalam month of Thulam at Chathamballi Kavu near Kolassery in Kannur district, marking the beginning of the Theyyam season in North Malabar. The legend of a Thiyya youth who was a venom physician (Visha Vaidyan) and a protest against caste discrimination form the background of this Theyyam.
Key Details:
- Location: Chathamballi Kavu in Kolachery Panchayat, Kannur district.
Time: Every year on Thulam 10 at 4:00 AM.
Legend: When Karumarath Namboodiri declared a snakebitten woman dead, a venom physician named Kandan brought her back to life using his chants (mantras). Jealous of this, the Namboodiri treacherously murdered Kandan. Later, following bad omens at the household (Illam), Kandan was consecrated as a Theyyam.- Special Feature: After the Theyyam performance, it is customary for the Theyyam to visit the nearby Karumarath Illam.
- Festival Season: Thulam
