Pottan Theyyam is a vivid, lively and colorful ritualistic dance which comes in the traditional art form of theyyam, and is an essential part of the cultural heritage of Kolathunadu, a territory comprising present day Kannur district and parts of Kozhikode and Kasaragod districts of northern Kerala, India.
It is believed Malayalam: pottan theyyam is a manifestation of Shiva. In some Hindu tharavads, Malayalam: pottan theyyam has a small hut like building called a Malayalam: palliyara. Malayalam: Pottan theyyam is a form of resistance, symbolizing goodness that would wipe out the social evils in the community. This Malayalam: theyyam is an anti-caste God. The Malayalam: theyyam re-enacts in ritualistic expressions the life of those personalities who had laid down their life for a social cause and is interpreted as a social/spiritual satire that is characteristic of the theyyam's personality. Malayalam: Pottan theyyam is also traditionally performed with a large fire, the embers of which Malayalam: pottan theyyam will rest upon (with the people insisting/requesting him to get up). After the performance and customs the locals may approach and speak with Malayalam: pottan theyyam and receive his response and blessing.[1] [2] The legend of Pottan Theyyam goes like.