Theyyam: Subliming The Material With The Eternal

Imagine standing on the edge of life and death, and feeling the eternal dance of existence. Sounds chilling, yet divine.

At Aivarmadhom, on the banks of Kerala’s Nila River, the Theyyam ritual brings this profound truth alive. It is only when one witnesses Theyyam in-person that its true meaning can be understood.

On 25 December, a Theyyam performance conducted at Aivarmadhom merged fire and devotion, leaving spectators stunned.

But Theyyam is not mere spectacle—it’s a sacred act.

Venu Gopal Narayanan in his article dives deep to separate fact from falsehood, unraveling Theyyam’s spiritual essence and its connection to ancient Vedic traditions.

With roaring artistes in trance, blazing bonfires, and the surreal mix of life’s rituals with death’s reality, Theyyam reminds us of one truth: all is transient, yet eternal.

Don’t miss this piece as Swarajya aims to capture the atmosphere of the event held at Aivarmadhom — Theyyam: Subliming The Material With The Eternal.

- Anmol N Jain