The Occasion: Theyyam is performed in the Kavus and Kottams during the festivals. Usually these festivals are held between November and May. Theyyam and these festivals are held in shrines and temples. For example, the Muthappan Theyyam is performed in the courtyard of the Parassinikkadavu temple near Kannur town. This Muthappan Theyyam is performed round the year. Karivalloor, Nileswaram, Kurumathoor, Parassini, Cherukunnu, Ezhom and Kunnathoorpadi are other shrines where Theyyams are performed during the Theyyam season. The most prominent Theyyams of Kerala are those of Raktha Chamundi, Kari Chamundi, Muchilottu Bhagavathi, Wayanadu Kulaveni, Gulikan and Pottan. 

The Theme: There are more than 400 Theyyams performed in Kerala. Since it is performed by the lower clans of the Hindu social sructure, the main deity of worship or whose dance is performed is Shakti in her various forms such as Bhadrakali, Bhagavathy etc. Theyyams are often performed to appease the spirits and ghosts of the heros and forefathers. Their praises and glory are sung. Deities such as Naga (Serpent) and other spirits like the forest deities or animal deities etc. are also propitiated. As mentioned earlier, the presence of above 400 Theyyams in the state testifies to the worship of these wispy spirits and the fierce yet benevolent guardian deities such as Mari Amman, Vishnumoorthi, Pottan, Chaamundi, Rakteshwari, Karrupan Swamy, Ayyapan etc. When the Theyyams are in praise of the Goddess it recalls her battles against evil and her victories over the Asuras (demons). Theyyam represents the common man's spiritual and metaphysical beliefs as it encompasses the opportunity where the performer identifies with the gods/goddesses or the spirits of the ancestors or bygone heroes and guides the society even in matters of contemporary interest. However aggression is a common trait among all the deities or spirits worshipped in a Theyyam. As the dancer transcends to the divine realm his words are heeded as the deities will and his touch is regarded therapeutic. However the fiery natures of the deities, disregard to the word of prophecies is seldom shown as fear of their wrath exists in every heart. 

The Artist: In a staunch Brahmin based society, Theyyam comes as an alleviating counterbalance. Theyyam is performed by some of the lowest castes of the hierarchy. The performers are essentially from the Velan, Malayan and Vannan communities. The dance performed by these communities is essentially with regard to the established deities such as Bhagavathy Amman, Vishu or Shiva. Other communities from which performers perform Theyyam are Mavilan, Vettuvan, Pulayan and Koppalan but their Theyyams are dedicated to their ancestors and spirit gods. The Theyyam dancers are always men from these tribes and the female characters are also played by them in appropriate costume and demeanor. However it is not an occupation that can be adopted at will. The rights of performing the Theyyam are reserved to these tribes and the right may only be acquired by virtue of birth through the maternal lineage or through marriage to a woman of the reserved clan. Strict observance of tradition in every aspect is imperative. The dancers are well versed in the history, stories and characteristic traits of the deity they play. Great emphasis is laid on the rigorous training and tradition shared by the dancers as it grooms them not only physically but spiritually as well to approach the divine trance in which the Theyyam is performed. The artist is taught all the nuances of the performance- from applying the make up to the songs; from playing the percussion to the legends and beliefs behind the deity’s worship. The artist is prepared not to be possessed as in case of the Oracle but to gain union with the deity. Ironically, these dancers’ words are venerated as the Divine Will while in the Theyyam state but even as the performance ends, they resume their mundane roles in the lowermost strata of society with no special distinction. 

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