Story of Tirayāṭṭam

A form of unrefined drama current in Kerala. This ancient art originally came into being to propitiate some gods. There are others of this kind like 'Mutiyeṭṭu' 'Tīyāṭṭu' and 'Ayyappan Pāṭṭu' which all belong to a class of Ritualistic plays.

This folk drama is a colourful pageant devoted to gods. Its artistic value is worth noticing. This is known by different names like 'Tira', 'Teyya' and 'Kaliyāṭṭam'. 'Tira' in ancient language means 'daivadarśana' (sight of gods) 'Teyya' is the corrupt form of 'daiva'. Tirayāṭṭam is a visible amusement where actors appear dressed as gods. Because the actors dance in the dresses of gods, this is called devāṭṭam also. Teyyāṭṭam is the distorted form of devāṭṭam. Because this is both a Kali (play) and an āṭṭam (dance) this is called Kaliyāṭṭam also.

This is held in different parts of Malabar during the period of January to April. It is a programme of three days. The first programme is to exhibit an Ālākolam. This is done on the night of the first day. The second programme is to exhibit the vellāṭṭukolam which will be done on the second day evening. An indication of this is given on the first night itself. The programme of the second day begins with a dance called Velakkali. On that day there will be worshipping of gods at intervals. The Vellāṭṭukolam begins by five in the evening. The chief actor will present himself before the public in the colourful robes of a god and will begin to dance to the accompaniment of drums and music. As the dance and music continues even those without dresses would start dancing. Gradually sounds of pop-guns and instrumental music will rend the air. The chief dancer after dancing for some-time would place a stool before the temple and spread a white cloth on it. Then the dancer would sit in meditation and do the ceremony called 'calling the gods'. He would then pray to the gods to bless the function and appear at the zodiacal sign of Virgin. The dance and music start again. Then the people assembled would throw rice and flower into the cloth on the stool. The dancer-god holds a weapon in his hand and changes it often making huge uproars. Then after finishing the ceremonies like Kāvūṭṭu and Arulappāṭu, the Vellāṭṭakkāran retires. Then another actor in the dress of another god appears as Vellāṭṭakkāran and repeats the programme of his predecessor. Because the dance (āṭṭam) is done before a white (vella) cloth the dance is called Vellāṭṭam.

After the vellāṭṭam before midnight Tirayāṭṭam begins. The dresses of the teyyas differ slightly from each other. Some Tiras wear jackets and skirts while some wear flower garlands made of Tulasī leaves (basil plant) and ceṭṭi (jungle geranium). All the tiras rush to the temple in great spirit and they are followed by lamp-holders and torch-bearers to the accompaniment of loud sounds of musical instruments and uproars from the spectators. When the first round of dances is over, the 'Teyya' stands dancing, pouring blessings to the people and deciding ways of atonement for the sins done. Then food is offered to the gods and the function ends with a 'Vela' circling the temple.