Theyyam is a ritual art form of which state?

The correct answer is Kerala. Theyyam (also called Theyyattam or Kaliyattam) is a ritual art form of the northern Malabar region of Kerala, especially the Kannur and Kasaragod districts. It is a living tradition of worship in which a performer, after elaborate rituals, is believed to become the deity or spirit he represents, and the devotees seek his blessings directly.

There are hundreds of different Theyyams, each representing a particular god, goddess, hero, ancestor or spirit. Some represent forms of Shiva, Vishnu or Bhagavati, while others represent local heroes and figures whose stories are part of the folk tradition. The performers, who traditionally come from specific communities such as the Malayan, Vannan and Velan, wear spectacular costumes, including huge headdresses (mudi) that can be several metres tall, made of bamboo, cloth, flowers and palm leaves. Their faces and bodies are painted in bright colours with intricate patterns, mostly in red, yellow, black and white. The performance takes place in the courtyard of a shrine called a kavu, usually from December to May, and it is accompanied by drums such as the chenda and by the singing of songs called thottam, which tell the story of the deity. The ritual often continues through the night until dawn.

About the other options:

• Karnataka has a very similar spirit-worship ritual called Bhoota Kola in its coastal Tulu Nadu region, but Theyyam belongs to Kerala.
• Tamil Nadu is known for Bharatanatyam, Karagattam and Kummi.
• Goa is known for Fugdi, Dekhni and Mando.

Theyyam is one of several ritual arts of Kerala. Others include Mudiyettu, which depicts the battle of Kali and Darika; Padayani, performed at Bhadrakali temples with large masks; and Thira, which is similar to Theyyam and is performed in the Kozhikode region.