Real Photos
Theyyam in Kannur
Original photographs from Kannur's Theyyam festivals
These are original photographs taken at Theyyam festivals in Kannur district
🔥 The Ancient Ritual Art of North Kerala
Theyyam is one of humanity's oldest living ritual traditions — a breathtaking fusion of dance, music, colour and devotion performed across hundreds of temples in Kannur district every year.
തെയ്യം കലണ്ടർ — കണ്ണൂർ
About Theyyam
Theyyam is a ritualistic performance art that is over 1,000 years old, practised primarily in Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala. The word Theyyam means "God" in the local dialect — during the performance, the performer is believed to literally become the deity.
Performers wear elaborate costumes up to 30 feet tall, striking face paint, and dance in a trance-like state to drumming and chanting. Watching a Theyyam is one of the most powerful cultural experiences available anywhere in the world — and it's completely free to attend.
Real Photos
Original photographs from Kannur's Theyyam festivals
These are original photographs taken at Theyyam festivals in Kannur district
📅 November 5, 2025
മുച്ചിലോട്ട് ഭഗവതി തെയ്യം
📍 Muchilottu Kavu, Chirakkal, Kannur
🕐 Starts at 9 PM, all night
📅 November 12, 2025
വിഷ്ണുമൂർത്തി തെയ്യം
📍 Sreekandapuram Temple, Kannur
🕐 Starts at 6 AM
📅 November 18–19, 2025
ഗുളികൻ തെയ്യം
📍 Pariyaram Sree Dharma Shastha Temple
🕐 Two-day festival, starts at dusk
📅 November 23, 2025
പൊട്ടൻ തെയ്യം
📍 Keezhara Kavil, Thalassery
🕐 Starts at 5 PM
📅 November 30, 2025
ചാമുണ്ടി തെയ്യം
📍 Azhikode Devi Temple, Kannur
🕐 Starts at 8 PM, all night
📅 December 4–5, 2025
കരി ചാമുണ്ടി തെയ്യം
📍 Padiyoor Kavu, Kannur
🕐 Two nights, starts 9 PM
📅 December 10, 2025
വയനാട് കുലവൻ തെയ്യം
📍 Irikkur Siva Temple, Kannur
🕐 Starts at 4 AM
📅 December 15, 2025
തീ ചാമുണ്ടി തെയ്യം
📍 Kalliasseri Bhagavathi Temple
🕐 Starts at 6 PM — fire performance!
📅 December 21, 2025
കണ്ടനാർ കേളൻ തെയ്യം
📍 Chirakkal Kovil, Kannur
🕐 Starts at 7 PM
📅 December 26–28, 2025
തമ്പുരാട്ടി തെയ്യം
📍 Andaloor Kavu, Payyanur
🕐 3-day major festival
📅 December 31, 2025
മുത്തപ്പൻ തെയ്യം
📍 Parassinikkadavu Temple (Daily — famous!)
🕐 Daily at 6:30 AM & 6:30 PM
📅 January 5, 2026
മുത്തപ്പൻ തെയ്യം
📍 Parassinikkadavu Sri Muthappan Temple
🕐 Daily 6:30 AM & 6:30 PM — most accessible Theyyam
📅 January 10–12, 2026
കുട്ടിച്ചാത്തൻ തെയ്യം
📍 Kolachery Kavu, Thalassery
🕐 3-night festival
📅 January 18, 2026
രക്ത ചാമുണ്ടി തെയ്യം
📍 Vallapuzha Bhagavathi Kavu
🕐 Starts at dusk, all night
📅 January 22, 2026
പഞ്ചുരുളി തെയ്യം
📍 Iritty Bhagavathi Temple, Kannur
🕐 Starts at 5 PM
📅 January 26–27, 2026
പുലിയൂർ കാളി തെയ്യം
📍 Kuthuparamba Devi Temple
🕐 Republic Day festival — 2 nights
📅 January 30, 2026
വിഷ്ണുമൂർത്തി & ശിവശക്തി തെയ്യം
📍 Madayi Kavu, Payyanur
🕐 Famous ancient temple festival
📅 February 3–5, 2026
അണ്ടല്ലൂർ കാവ് തെയ്യം
📍 Andaloor Sree Bhagavathi Temple, Payyanur
🕐 Major 3-day festival — 40+ Theyyam forms performed!
📅 February 10, 2026
മുച്ചിലോട്ട് ഭഗവതി
📍 Chirakkal, Kannur city
🕐 Annual festival, all night
📅 February 14, 2026
തീ ചാമുണ്ടി തെയ്യം
📍 Ezhome Village Temple, Kannur
🕐 Fire walking ceremony — spectacular!
📅 February 20–22, 2026
കൊട്ടിയൂർ മഹോത്സവം
📍 Kottiyoor Temple, Kannur
🕐 Ancient forest temple festival
📅 February 28, 2026
കതിവനൂർ വീരൻ തെയ്യം
📍 Pappinisseri Temple, Kannur
🕐 Warrior deity Theyyam — dramatic performance
📅 March 5–7, 2026
പറശ്ശിനി കടവ് ഉത്സവം
📍 Sri Muthappan Temple, Parassinikkadavu
🕐 Annual grand festival — best for first-time visitors
📅 March 14, 2026
കൂടൽ മാണിക്യം തെയ്യം
📍 Iritty Kavu, Kannur
🕐 Starts at sunset
📅 March 21–23, 2026
മടായി കാവ് ഉത്സവം
📍 Madayi Bhagavathi Temple, Payyanur
🕐 One of Kannur's largest Theyyam festivals
📅 March 30, 2026
മുച്ചിലോട്ട് ഭഗവതി
📍 Kannur District Temples
🕐 Season closing festival
📅 April 10–12, 2026
വിഷു തെയ്യം ഉത്സവം
📍 Various temples across Kannur
🕐 Vishu (Kerala New Year) season Theyyams
📅 April 25–27, 2026
കൊട്ടിയൂർ വൈശാഖ മഹോത്സവം
📍 Kottiyoor, deep forest temple, Kannur
🕐 Famous forest temple festival — unique location
📅 May 2026 (Dates vary)
സീസൺ അന്ത്യ തെയ്യം
📍 Various temples, Kannur & Kasaragod
🕐 Final performances before monsoon break
Visitor Guide
All Theyyam performances are free to attend. They are religious festivals open to everyone regardless of religion or nationality.
Most major Theyyams begin after dark and last until dawn. The atmosphere by torchlight is absolutely otherworldly.
These are religious ceremonies. Dress modestly — no shorts or sleeveless tops. Remove shoes before entering temple grounds.
Generally allowed but ask locals first. Never use flash during the performance. Keep a respectful distance from the performer.
Hire a local taxi or auto-rickshaw. Ask your hotel to arrange transport — most drivers know the festival locations well.
Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple has daily Theyyam year-round — the easiest and most accessible for first-time visitors.