Muchilott kaav is deeply associated with the cast Vaniya. A peck into the history would reveal that the ancestral tree leads to the folds who invade from Sourashtra. They were called Baniyas. Their goddes, Shri. Bala Parvathy was continued to be worshipped. These people who were well versed in "Vanibha" alias Trade were lated known by the name Vaniyar. Right from the early days, every cast had their own special god and godess who were mostly related to the trade they practised in one way or the other.

The small form of theyyam is called vellattam. Vellattam basically marks the childhood days of theyyam. All theyyams do not have a vellattam. If a particular theyyam has thottam, it does not have vellattam. Also if a particular theyyam has vellattam, there would be no thottam for that theyyam. Vellattam is performed with a picturesque costume and attractive face paintings whereas thottam is not performed on a similar note.

The initial phase in a theyyam performance is usually marked with an act called thottam.