Art and culture

In the 14th and 15th centuries, under the Kolathiri Rajas, Thaliparambu became a famous centre of learning, enlightenment and culture. Rajadhiraja temple at Thaliparambu had a major role in this.

Assimilation of different styles of Aryan and non-Aryan culture, and the influence of Jain and Buddhist philosophies shaped the culture of the people here. Though the social set-up has been changed by time, the cultural life of the people remains unchanged.

Folk Dances

A large number of folk plays and dances are prevalent among the scheduled castes and tribes. Each tribe has its own glorious collection of folk plays and dances which are performed during festivals. The Malayans have the Thiyyattom ceremony which consists of dancing with masks and singing and the Ucchavali ceremony which is symbolic of human sacrifice. The Paniyar have their characteristic devil dance.

Godamuri

Godamuri is an entertaining folk-play of a quasi-religious nature which is performed in the central parts of Kannur district by the Malayans who are experts in devil dancing.

Vedan Pattu

This is a peculiar ceremony observed in certain parts of the district in the month of Karkidakam (July-August) which coincides with the season of scarcity in Kerala.

Kathakali

The 300 year-old dance form known as Kathakali is exclusive to Kerala. It combines opera, ballet, masque, and pantomime to create one of the most elaborate and technically difficult dance forms.

Theyyam

This is a highly ritualistic dance, well preserved with its rare and gorgeous make-up and costume, lively foot work and gymnastic servour. It represents a glorious period of folk-life in Kannur.

The belief is, the gods and goddesses come in to our midst through the medium of the possessed dancers and converse with us on matters of even contemporary significance. It is sometimes found that Theyyams (the dancers) pronounce judgments on temporal matters and give blessings to the believers. The performers belong to Mannan, Velan and Malayan communities. They were patronized by the feudal chiefs of Ezhinadu, Puzhinadu and such other places where the Dravidian culture maintained its supremacy. The folk singer , while he sings out in a loud voice,uses simple but effective language and straight but thought-provoking images. Theyyam songs belong to a literary tradition of the farthest past which had not evolved through any conscious process of sophistication, but served as a life-giving vehicle to the feelings of village communities.

Marathukali

It is a competitive "game art" conducted in temple yards. It has gained ritualistic importance. The game lasts for a long time; at times it may extend to a day or more.

Poorakkali

It is a temple festival held in the Bhagavathy temples in the month of Meenam (March-April). In this festival which lasts nine days, the local people celebrate the rebirth of Kama, the god of love and rejoice in regaining the feelings of love. It has a dramatic folklore touch and its literature is embellished with glorious deeds of Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu.

Vadakken Pattukal

Ballads sung in praise of the exploits of local heroes form an important source of inspiration for the community.

Kalaripayattu

Kalari meaning school and Payattu meaning combat, Kalaripayattu is one of the advanced combat sciences of the world and has reproduced many a hero whose exploits are celebrated in legends and folk songs.