Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture, in association with the Department of Malayalam, Central University of Kerala, the Ministry of Culture (Government of India), the Inter City Intangible Cultural Cooperation Network (ICCN), and with CSR support from Dorf Ketal, successfully organized a Two-Day International Seminar on Theyyam on March 7–8, 2025, at Bekal Club, Kanhangad.
The seminar was aimed at addressing the challenges posed by modernization, globalization, and socio-economic changes that threaten the survival of Theyyam, an integral part of India’s intangible cultural heritage. Scholars, cultural experts, and performers from India and abroad gathered to discuss the significance of Theyyam and the role of ritual performances in ensuring its conservation for future generations.
The event featured academic sessions, special lectures, discussions on women's contributions to Theyyam, and immersive cultural experiences, offering participants a deep understanding of Theyyam’s history, evolution, and contemporary relevance.
Release of Abstract Compendium
As a precursor to the International Seminar, an abstract compendium was released at the Central University of Kerala on March 4, 2025. This special function was conducted by the Department of Malayalam, Central University of Kerala, where the compendium was released by Prof. Amruth G. Kumar and presided over by Dr. V. Jayarajan, Chairman of Folkland.
Dignitaries and Contributors to the Release Function:
Introductory Speech: Prof. A. M. Sreedharan
Felicitations: Prof. R. Chandrabose, Head of the Malayalam Department, Central University of Kerala
Dr. Thennarassu, Head & Associate Professor, Department of Linguistics, Central University of Kerala
The compendium featured research abstracts submitted for the seminar, providing insights into Theyyam’s history, ritualistic aspects, and contemporary challenges.
The release of abstract compendium at Central University of Kerala.
Inaugural Session
The seminar was inaugurated by Dr. Seong Yong Park, President of Culture Masters, Global Cultural Enterprise based in South Korea. In his address, Dr. Park highlighted the urgency of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH), which faces extinction due to poor patronage and globalization.
Key Highlights from Dr. Park’s Address:
▶Shared insights on Culture Masters, a global cultural organization dedicated to protecting ICH and its masters.
▶Announced plans for a Cultural Olympics in Korea in 2028, an initiative aimed at celebrating global cultural traditions.
▶Commended Folkland’s efforts in bringing Theyyam to an international platform through this seminar.
Introductory speech by Prof. A M Sreedharan
Prof. A. M. Sreedharan, Advisory Board Member of the Central Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, delivered the introductory address. In his speech, he emphasized the significance of this International Seminar, which is uniquely aligned with the two Perum Kaliyattams (Mega Theyyam Festivals) scheduled between the 4th and 12th of March 2025.
Traditionally, Perum Kaliyattams are conducted at intervals of 12, 25, or even 50 years. However, this year marks a rare convergence, with the Kanamangalam Kazhagam Perum Kaliyattam being held after 17 years and the Ramavilayam Kazhagam Perum Kaliyattam taking place after a gap of 26 years. This extraordinary alignment makes the period especially auspicious, providing an ideal setting for hosting the International Seminar.
Presiding Over the Inaugural Session:
Dr. V. Jayarajan, Chairman, Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture
Spoke about Folkland’s 35-year journey in conserving the Theyyam tradition.
Recalled Folkland’s national seminar on Theyyam in 2005, organized in New Delhi in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).
Keynote Address:
Delivered by Dr. Pragati, Former Director, Pondicherry Institute of Language and Culture (PILC).
Discussed the role of ritual performances in safeguarding living heritage and emphasized the importance of preserving Theyyam traditions.
Praised Folkland’s initiatives in cultural conservation, having personally witnessed its various programs.
Academic Presentations
The seminar featured distinguished scholars and researchers from India and abroad who presented their research and perspectives on Theyyam and related subjects.
Day 1
The first day included presentations by:
Michel Lestrehan (France)
Dr. P.K. Jayarajan
Dr. P. Krishnadas
Naalappadam Padmanabhan
Madhuraj K
Dr. Devi K
From left to right: Michel Lestrehan(left), Dr. P. Krishnadas(middle), Dr. P.K. Jayarajan(right)
From left to right: Madhuraj K (left), Naalappadam Padmanabhan(middle), Dr. Devi K(right)
Day 2
On the second day, the following scholars presented their research:
Special Online Lecture:
Erin B. Mee, Associate Professor at New York University, delivered a lecture on the evolving dynamics of Theyyam in contemporary society. She analyzed its theatrical elements and referenced plays such as "Theyyam Theyyam" and "Oorubhangam" by Kavalam Narayana Panicker.
Dr. Manjula P
Dr. Sindhu Kizhakkaniyil
Dr. Seema PD
Dr. M. Binoy
Dr. K.V. Sajeevan
Prof. S.A. Krishnayya
Dr. Navina Jafa
Dr. M. Suraj
From left to right: Dr. Sindhu Kizhakkaniyil (left), Dr. Seema PD(Middle), Dr. Manjula P(right)
From left to right: Dr. M. Binoy, Dr. M. Suraj, Dr. Navina Jafa, Prof. S.A. Krishnayya, Dr. K.V. Sajeevan
Special Conference: Women’s Contributions to Theyyam
In connection with International Women’s Day, a special session was organized to honor women’s contributions to Theyyam and cultural preservation.
Session Details:
Inaugurated by Dr. Sindhu Joseph, Associate Professor, Government College, Manjeswaram.
Honored Women in Theyyam Culture:
Ambujakshi Amma – The only female Theyyam performer.
Podi Yamma Mallam – Theyyam song singer.
Rohini Narayana – Theyyam song singer.
Honoring the artists
Special Cultural Performance:
▶Dr. Navina Jafa, a scholar from Uttar Pradesh, performed a Kathak dance based on the theme of women’s liberation.
▶Her performance captivated the audience, demonstrating the expressive storytelling power of classical dance in representing social issues.
Kathak performance by Navina Jafa
Valedictory Session & Key Takeaways
The concluding session was graced by Padma Shri recipient Narayana Peruvannan, with Dr. V. Jayarajan presiding.
Session Highlights:
Summary of the Seminar: Presented by Prof. S.A. Krishnayya, emphasizing the urgent need for sustained conservation efforts for Theyyam.
Felicitations:
Dr. Pragati and Dr. Navina Jafa were honored for their contributions to cultural conservation and women’s empowerment.
Reflections from Dignitaries:
Dr. A. M. Sreedharan (Camp Director)
Dr. Pragati
Adv. P.V. Harish
Honoring Padma Shri.Narayanan Peruvannan
Vote of Thanks:
Delivered by K. Sureshan, expressing gratitude to all scholars, performers, and participants.
Immersive Cultural Experiences: Perumkaliyattam Festivals
Beyond academic discussions, attendees witnessed grand Perumkaliyattam Festivals at:
Kenamangalam Kazhakam, Nileshwaram (celebrated after 17 years).
Ramavilyam Kazhakam, Trikaripur (held after 25 years).
These experiences deepened participants' understanding of Theyyam’s vibrant traditions, highlighting its significance as a living heritage.
Conclusion: Commitment to Cultural Conservation
The Two-Day International Seminar on Theyyam reaffirmed Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture’s commitment to safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage.
This seminar was a milestone in bringing Theyyam to an international academic platform, ensuring that this extraordinary ritual performance tradition continues to thrive in the modern world.
Folkland remains steadfast in its mission to:
◆ Promote the conservation of Theyyam.
◆ Support research and documentation of intangible cultural heritage. (END)