Monday, March 12, 2012

God's own country




Contents

  • KANJOORI SREE BAGAVATHI TEMPLE
  • About THIRA
  • Types of Thira in Kanjoori
  • ABOUT KANJOORI EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE


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About Thira/Theyyam :-

Thirayaattam/Theyyam, a ritual dance-drama is performed as part of festival celebrations in Kaavus, temples of the Goddess, in Kozhikode and Malappuram Districts of Kerala.One can note a vast difference between Theyyam and Thira in their rituals, Kolams, costumes, make-up, performances etc. Thira is the chief sub division of Theyyam, and so the whole perfomance is also called Theyyam-Thira. It represents a legendary social figure and deplicts its heroic exploits. Thira is a whole in itself regarding its theme and is usually presented before the main event. The perfomers of Thira, through appropriate costumes,assume the roles of the divinities they hold in veneration. The dance, to the accomp animent of indigenous instruments, takes place only at night,illuminated by torchers made of clusters of dried coconut fronds.The word Thiram means “radiance” or ‘lustre’, and the Thirayaattam is said to cast radiance or lustre by virtue of his gorgeous array, made all the more dazzling by the blaze of the torches.
Kanjoori Sree Bagavathi Temple is one of the famous temple in Elathur (Calicut District), Every year Month of February we are celebrating Kanjoori Thira festival. The festival lasting for 3 days , Theyyam is one of the main attractions of festival. A number of Theyyams will perfoarm at Kanjoori with folk forms like POOKKUTTY, KARIKKUTTY, BAGAVATHI (Form of GOD), BAIRAVAN etc. Fireworks are performed after midnight. KANALATTAM (VELICHAPPADU [Devotees] walking around and on live coal,One of the intresting part of Kanjoori Thira) performing at evening 5'O Clock. Another main attraction of festival is CHANDH THIRA that is performing at morning. The festival will wind up with this thira only. This CHAND THIRA is similar to the Holli festival at north India.
Velichappadu: The word velicham signifies light and the Velichappadu is regarded as the intermediary who enlightens the devotees about the Will of the Goddess. During the festivals in Bhagavathy and Bharakali temples, the worship of the Goddess reaches a fervid pitch. Mantras are chanted and songs sung; loud percussion beats rent the air and at an impassioned moment the Velichappadu gets possessed. He dances a wild dance and the Goddess is said to speak through him. The Velichappaduis generally known to wear red silk around his waist and carry a sword both signifying the presence of the Goddess. He smears holy ash on himself, acts as the Oracle and prophesizes for the people around. Great regard is paid to his word in this possessed state





Types of Thira in Kanjoori



  • Kodiyettam
  • Kalasham Ezunnallath
  • Nagaraja
  • Kuttichathan
  • Kanalattam
  • Thalappoli
  • Bagavathi Thira
  • Pookutti and Karikutti
  • Bairavan Thira

Kodiyettam : This will perform one week before Thira festival. The word kodi means flag. The Kodiyettam ritual is performed by hoisting a flag in the temple premises to commemorate the start festival day. Most temples have beautifully constructed Kodimaram-s (Flag posts) to perform this ritual.
Kalasham Ezunnallath : Kanjoori Thira festival start with Kalasham Ezunnallath. This will start at morning 7.00 AM from a nearest temple to Kanjoori.
Kuttichathan : Kuttichathan as the name itself says, he dances like a child and his face looks very innocent.Kuttichathan Thira is more interesting because while dressing him up only people around him will start singing legend of Kuttichathan. At this point in time, god himself will get into his body and he starts blessing each one of the devotees. I could not understand completely the legend behind Kuttichathan as they were singing in Malayalam but this was awesome.
Thalapoli : Thalapoli, a ceremonial procession, is a significant item in most of the festivals in Kerala. In this ritual, women or young girls carry thalam, which literally means plate, in their hands. Thalam is filled with rice, flowers and a lighted lamp. Thalapoli is considered a symbol of prosperity.

Sarpa Kavu : (meaning Abode of Snakes) is a traditional natural sacred space seen near traditional homes in Kerala state of South India. The site is believed to be inhabited by snakes, and the area usually contains a representation of Naga Raja (King of the Snakes) and other Naga Devatas (snake deities), where offerings and rites are performed during special ceremonies. This is a Brahminical ritual performed by certain sects of Nambudiris, and all castes hold the Sarpa Kavu in reverence, with access forbidden to the area unless for due ceremonie.


Bagavathi Thira :




ABOUT KANJOORI EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE


  1. Baiju Vayalil (Gen.Secratary)
  2. Shaju M (President)
  3. P. Surendran Ragam (Tresurer)
  4. PK Sudakaran (Jo Secrtary)
  5. Prakasan P (Jo Secrtary)
  6. T Preman kammili (Vice President)
  7. Jagadeeshan Chereekandy (Vice President)
    Vanitha SubCommittee

    TN Rajamma (president)
    V Thankamani (Secratary)


    Kanjoori Sree Bagavathi Temple Thira maholsavam 2015 photos

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/kanjoori/



    Wiki Page : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Chereekandy

    God's own country