As part of the Pavizhotsav celebrations commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture, a Two-Day International Seminar on Theyyam (Living Heritage) will be organized under the theme "Conservation of Living Heritage through Ritual Performances" on March 7–8, 2025, at Bekal Club, Kanhangad. This landmark seminar is designed to bring together scholars, researchers, artists, and cultural practitioners from across the globe to engage in critical dialogues on the conservation and safeguarding of Theyyam, an intangible cultural heritage that has been deeply embedded in the socio-cultural fabric of North Kerala for centuries.

This is the release of Abstracts compendium at Central University, Kasargod.

The seminar will be inaugurated by eminent scholar of ICH Dr. Park Seongyong, President of Culture Masters, Republic of Korea, with an introductory speech by Prof. A.M. Sreedharan, the Director of the International Seminar, and the presidential address by Dr. V. Jayarajan, Chairman of Folkland and newly appointed Secretary General of ICCN (Inter-City Intangible Cultural Cooperation Network). The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Pragathi Rajkumar, Director of the Pondicherry Institute of Language and Culture, while Prof. K. P. Jayarajan, Former Controller of Examinations, Kannur University, will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.

From left to right: Dr. Park Seongyong, Erin B. Mee (middle), and Dr. V. Jayarajan (right).

Scholars such as Michel Lestrehan (France), Prem Manasi (Germany), Prof. S A Krishnayya, Dr. P.K. Jayarajan, Dr. P. Krishnadas, Naalappadam Padmanabhan, Dr. Devi. K, Erin. B. Mee (Associate Prof. New York University), Dr. Manjula P.,Dr. Binoy M,Dr. Seema P.D,Dr. K.V. Sajeevan, Dr. Sindhu Kizhakkaniyil, Dr.Navina Jafa (Scholar, Kathak dancer), Priya Sarkar, Dr.Sindhu Joseph, Dr. Y.V. Kannan, and Suraj M will present papers.

From left to right, Prof. K P Jayarajan, Dr. Pragati Rajkumar(Middle), Prof. A M Sreedharan(Right).

The seminar will coincide with the grand Perumkaliyattam (Mega Theyyam Festival) at Kenamangalam Kazhakam, Nileshwaram, and Ramavilyam Kazhagam, Trikaripur, offering participants a unique opportunity to witness this spectacular ritual performance in its authentic environment. The Perumkaliyattam tradition attracts large crowds and is a significant cultural and spiritual event that showcases various deities, their unique performances, and the rich rituals associated with them. The event is of profound historical, sociological, anthropological, and cultural importance, making it an ideal context for scholarly discussions. This convergence of academic discourse and experiential learning seeks to illuminate the multifaceted dimensions of Theyyam, a vibrant manifestation of Kerala’s intangible Cultural heritage.

Objectives

▶To understand the significance of intangible cultural heritage as a cornerstone of cultural identity.

▶To address the challenges of preserving traditional practices in the face of globalization and technological shifts.

▶To explore the role of policy frameworks and international collaborations in safeguarding living heritage.

▶To promote awareness about the value of oral traditions, rituals, and folk festivals as living heritage.

▶To examine how folk festivals and community rituals play a vital role in transmitting cultural knowledge across generations.

Main Theme

Conservation of Living Heritage through Ritual Performances

Sub-Themes

▶Role of Oral Traditions in Cultural Preservation – Exploring how oral storytelling, folktales, and songs contribute to sustaining cultural identities.

▶Traditional Performances as Living Heritage – Highlighting the importance of Theyyam and other ritualistic performances in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

▶Impact of Globalization on Local Cultures – Analyzing how global connectivity influences traditional practices and languages.

▶Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer – Discussing the significance of passing down traditional knowledge and rituals to younger generations.

▶Intangible Cultural Heritage and Tourism – Examining the balance between cultural promotion through tourism and the risks of commodification.

▶Cultural Festivals and Rituals – Investigating how community festivals and rituals serve as vehicles for heritage preservation.

▶Role of Technology in Preserving Intangible Heritage – Discussing the potential of digital platforms, social media, and virtual documentation in preserving traditional knowledge.

▶Language Preservation and Endangered Dialects of Performing Communities – Emphasizing the importance of preserving indigenous languages and revitalizing endangered dialects.

▶Policy Frameworks for Intangible Heritage Protection – Analyzing government and international policies, including UNESCO conventions that support the safeguarding of intangible heritage.

Significance of the Seminar

This international seminar aims to provide an in-depth exploration of Theyyam as both a spiritual experience and a cultural identity marker, reflecting the rich tradition of ritual performances in Kerala. The sessions will combine thought-provoking presentations, panel discussions, and field studies, offering a holistic approach to understanding the challenges and opportunities in conserving intangible cultural heritage.

Through active collaboration between cultural institutions, policymakers, and local communities, the seminar seeks to build a roadmap for the sustainable conservation of Theyyam and similar ritualistic traditions. This initiative underscores Folkland's commitment to upholding the legacy of Kerala's folklore and its dedication to ensuring that these vibrant traditions continue to flourish in the face of modern challenges.

The Seminar Abstracts Compendium was released on March 4, 2025, at the Central University of Kerala in connection with the International Seminar. The event's Chief Guest was Prof. Amruth G. Kumar from the School of Education, Central University of Kerala, and it was presided over by Dr. V. Jayarajan, Chairman of Folkland. The introductory speech was delivered by Prof. A. M. Sreedharan, followed by felicitation addresses from Prof. R. Chandrabose, Head of the Department of Malayalam, and Dr. S. Thennarasu, Head and Associate Professor, Department of Linguistics, Central University of Kerala.

The Pavizhotsav celebrations mark a significant milestone in Folkland's journey of cultural preservation. This international seminar pays tribute to Theyyam as a living heritage and amplifies the importance of global cooperation in safeguarding intangible cultural traditions. The insights and strategies emerging from this seminar will contribute to the larger discourse on the conservation of living heritage, fostering a sustainable future for traditional practices worldwide.