Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam is an extremely popular grand Dance Festival held in the state of Kerala. It is also termed as a “Theyyam Festival” as Theyyam refers to a traditional ritual dance form of Kerala. The Theyyam dance form is one of the oldest art forms of India.
Theyyam dances are performed generally by men in Kerala. These dance performances are extended across a number of days illuminating the New Year’s Eve.
Theyyam is not a single dance form it is a culmination and collection of about 400 types of dances. Each of these 400 dance forms represents a mythological, divine or heroic character.
During the Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam Festival a variety of Theyyams are presented including Chamundi theyyam, Vishnumoorthy theyyam and many more.
Ancestral spirits and historical characters are worshipped during this festive celebration.
The dance carnival held at the Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam is truly a visual treat for all the onlookers who gather here from across the country. The dance presentations include colorful costumes, body painting, and trance-like performances. These performances are accompanied with splendid ancient shrines and temples contributing to the atmosphere.
Although each dance form denotes a deity, a mythological figure who is worshipped through the dance performance, even the individual dance performer is treated like a deity.
How to Reach?
Nearest railway station: Kasaragod, about 20 km away. Nearest airport: Mangalore about 50 km away.
